In this respect, both novels dissect the theme of art and its imitation of life. In the same way that Lord Henry desires to mold Dorian into the realisation of a type, Frankenstein finds himself trying to quell the unruly nature of the Creature. Frankenstein criticises our presumption that, as humans, we have authority over life. Often thought of as a mere thriller, Shelley’s novel actually functions as a transgressive reflection on society’s shallowness. ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Its heavy reliance on scandal and titillation forces the novel to operate as a form of social commentary, not unlike Wilde’s work. Repression leads to overindulgence, which seems appalling because of its culmination in murder, rape, and obsession. Ambrosio, the titular monk, suffers from the rift between the spiritual and corporal aspects of his existence. Much like The Picture of Dorian Gray, Lewis’s novel is a Gothic portrayal of a shocking subject. What’s more, Picano’s work doesn’t shy away from the terror caused by the AIDS epidemic, both in terms of the unsettling lack of action on the part of the society, and the graphic decomposition of the victims. The blend of these attributes allows him to abandon his morals. He manages to get away with unspeakable betrayals, all seemingly thanks to his charisma, youth, and beauty. One of the less obvious options on this list, Picano’s novel centers its narrative on the wealthy and beautiful character of a gay man named Alistair Dodge. ‘Like People in History’ by Felice Picano And so, within the novel’s social context, its thoughts outpace those of Wilde. We’re ambushed by art and high society, forced into a system of intimidation and surrender. Similarly absorbed by appearances, the story embraces aesthetics with an ardor that eclipses Wilde’s subtle insinuations. The mystery is ever-evolving, and its cannibalistic theme is as transgressive today as The Picture of Dorian Gray must have seemed in the 19th century. ‘The Marbled Swarm’ by Dennis CooperĬooper’s novel navigates the veiled passageways and secret rooms that accommodate the disturbed mind of the narrator. What’s more, the passion that acts as the novel’s focal point is later influenced by the appearance of a pseudo-parental figure, whose claim to the protagonist is rather dubious. The pairings within the story possess an eeriness that translates both into literal and figurative violence. The weapon alludes to the unprovoked violence against gay men, who engage in the ritual worship of youth and beauty in The Bar. The novel presents the tensions that exist in the gay world, the moody backdrop of which is slashed by a literal, recurring knife. ‘Ready to Catch Him Should He Fall’ by Neil Bartlett Like The Picture of Dorian Gray, it’s a tale of individuality and transformation, as well as an obsession with looks, which inevitably dictate one’s worth. And yet, he clings to a romantic connection that might spread roots beneath the surface. His body has been defiled by war, burned to a crisp by erupting shells.Ī single look in his direction causes people to retch. Worse still, Garnet’s appearance serves to distance him from the love he seeks so desperately. In Purdy’s novel, instead of internal decrepitude, the protagonist suffers from outward disfigurement. The novel reflects the individual’s sense of confinement in a ruptured society, amplifying Dorian’s philosophical struggles with psychological ones. Antoine works through his feelings about the world and the people around him, but the sensations he experiences cumulate into nausea so visceral that it overwhelms him. ‘Nausea’ by Jean-Paul SartreĬategorized as existential fiction, Nausea features a protagonist troubled by his own existence. It conveys the same desire, both evident and implied, that we see woven into Wilde’s prose. It’s a tragedy of pride, self-delusion, yearning, and infernal ruin. Consequently, falling straight into the demon’s clutches. It seeks to bestow onto the scholar both knowledge and pleasure so forceful that the human will wish for it to last forever. In Goethe’s novel, a scholar makes a deal with Mephistopheles, a demon often featured in German folklore. So, here are twelve disturbing books like The Picture of Dorian Gray. By doing so, it emphasises the importance of individualism. Wilde’s work also exposes the superficial nature of society, pointing to the negative consequence of influence. The novel’s suggestion of homoerotic male relationships ties in naturally with its thematic admiration of youth and beauty. Ultimately, it also proved to be Wilde’s downfall. Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray stood out not for its philosophy of art, but its perceived immorality.
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