50/365

We return to Dorian to find that he has a new fixation with all things lovely. He begins to collect stones and jewels that he has read are connected to those worn by royalty around the world. When he grows tired of that, he turns to an obsession with tapestries and then with things related to the Church. In one line, it seems that Dorian has thrown himself so deeply into these minute pleasures to stave off the pleasures of the flesh and the deformation of his portrait. 

Dorian runs away for a bit in an attempt to leave his dreaded painting behind. He lives in France with Lord Henry and while away, the people of England invent wild rumors of him fighting and consorting with thieves. However, people still seem fascinated with him when he reappears. He remains an enigma to the people of England. Until his corruption of his friends becomes known to the people in town.

Dorian is left to face up to all of his sins every time that he observes his painting, though he kills the painter in an attempt to kill the curse. He is taunted by Lord Henry's reminders that people who are ugly on the inside are always ugly on the outside until eventually, he cracks.

Have you ever wished to view yourself from another's eyes? Dorian is granted this privilege. In the end of the novel, he kills himself when he stabs the painting. While others were able to view the corruption and sin of others on the outside, Dorian was forced to constantly see the sin and shame within him. His knowledge of his disgrace brings his death.

I've missed reading for pleasure. I'll definitely be doing it again soon.

catch you later,
Karleigh

“Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.”// The Picture of Dorian Gray