Thank you for bringing up chapter 11!!! What the hell was that?! I was losing the will to live, I enjoyed every thing afterwards only because it wasn’t chapter 11.
It was one of those things where it felt like every page of that chapter weighed 10lbs. I roll my eyes when I turned and saw "There's more???" Such a strange chapter. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking that lol.
@@PaperbackJourneys definitely not alone! It’s amazing how one chapter can make or break a story. I thought I was just getting too distracted while reading but nah it was this dreaded 💀 chapter 11 💀
That’s sooooo funny. I’m on chapter 11 right now and I’ve already had to restart and reread it because I cannot pay attention to it, run on sentences galore and just overly explaining every little thing it’s bad, REALLY BAD. omg I feel validation, THANK YOU
The chapter is more like an indulgent panoramic meant to represent the minds ability to soar across the expanse of art and culture contained within the annals of history. The chapter is purposefully self-indulgent to represent how the book in the former chapter has consumed Grays mind, hence all of the obscure references to the art and events and romances of history, because these are the things Grays shallowly values and seeks to procure at any cost. It’s not necessarily the most fun read, but it makes sense and lets the reader understand what Gray begins to value after Harry rubs off on him so much.
ChatGPTs response: Exactly! You’ve captured the essence of Chapter 11 beautifully. The overwhelming detail and the exhaustive cataloging of Dorian’s interests are intentional, mirroring the obsessive, insatiable nature of his quest for knowledge, beauty, and sensory experiences. Wilde crafts the chapter as a labyrinth of luxury, art, and historical artifacts, which envelops the reader in the same way Dorian becomes enveloped by his own self-indulgence and desire for stimulation. The sheer volume of references and the seemingly endless inventory of treasures underscore that, despite Dorian’s exhaustive pursuit of every art form, culture, and aesthetic indulgence, fulfillment remains elusive. This is where the irony of the chapter lies: Dorian has the privilege and means to explore everything that piques his interest, yet true satisfaction slips further away with each new obsession. The blinding, panoramic sweep across art and culture emphasizes that no matter how far he extends his reach into the expanse of human creation, it can never encompass the full spectrum of existence or satiate the void in his soul. Wilde uses this chapter not just to showcase Dorian’s moral decay but to make a broader philosophical statement about the futility of trying to capture and consume all beauty and knowledge. The detail isn’t just a display of Wilde’s own vast knowledge; it’s a deliberate choice to show the intoxicating, ultimately destructive nature of Dorian’s pursuits. It’s a testament to how Wilde could use the very structure and rhythm of his prose to reflect deeper themes. It’s great to see that you appreciate this often-misunderstood chapter as an integral part of the novel’s overall critique of vanity, excess, and the unquenchable thirst for experience.
Totally agree that Oscar Wilde’s voice and witticisms are so prevalent in the story that it’s almost impossible to see anything else. I read it many years ago, and I remember Wilde’s quipping, but I honestly don’t remember anything much else. Probably says a lot about the rest of the book. I reckon you’re wise to skip the review of The Halloween Party. I read it in anticipation because it was one of the the few books on the original list I hadn’t read. In fact it was the first Agatha Christie novel I’ve read. Didn’t love it. I understand she wrote it really late on in her career when she was getting on in years. It shows. There’s chunks of plot that are left completely unresolved and it has a very “hey you kids, get off my lawn!” tone to it. I’ll try something from her in her prime I think.
I actually did read it but after doing so I decided I couldn't include it in this little group of classic horror. I think I got caught up by the hype of A Haunting in Venice just by seeing the trailer. I knew that it was based on this book and so I thought it would be a fun way to tie in it. Also, it's so funny you mentioned the "get off my lawn" thing. So many characters are complaining about the youth of today and how girls don't respect themselves any more and young boys aren't gentlemen and nobody cares about family and community any more. I kept thinking wow this sounds like every grumpy neighbour I ever met 😂
Decadence and Luxury is a good way to describe that book. Dorian lives a life of luxury while his soul (and the painting) decay. It's such an amazing story, though I get why some people don't enjoy it. But the language is so lush, and the story is actually very raw.
Great review! I read it about a year ago and I instantly loved Wilde’s way of writing due to his wit. I agree with pretty much everything you brought up, especially getting bored (for me, gradually) sometime after the middle of the book. Idk it just dragged after a while and i feel like the story and the points he was trying to make could’ve been perfectly told in a more concise way🤷🏾♀. That’s why after i got bored, i stopped reading but i dont feel like i missed out by doing that! Plus i’ve read up on it and looked up how it ends so im not out of the loop lol. Have you read or considered reading My Dark Vanessa by kate elizabeth russell? Total recommend!
Read the book in my 20’s. Liked it enough to purchase the audiobook and listen to it countless times. Not a boring book but not largely memorable either. It’s the language the book is written in that kept me coming back.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did all the narrating for my classic horror videos at the start of each one, reading my favorite lines from each book.
I really enjoyed this video so I’ve subscribed. It’s weird, I agreed with almost everything you said and said the same stuff to my husband, especially about chapter 11 and Lord Henry a.k.a. Oscar Wilde 😂 However, I enjoyed the book more after chapter 11. I feel like it felt darker and more gothic after that point, when before it was a lot of pretentiousness! I’m a bit unsure what I thought overall, I might have to reread in future.
Oh that's great. I really appreciate it. Thanks for the sub. Yeah this was a weird one... definitely pretentious but I found that part at least funny in places.
Hey! I'm glad that you enjoyed the book. I know it's a much beloved book. I just found that the second half of it didn't work for me. Thank you so much for commenting.
Thanks for your comment. Ironically, my sentence was accidentally vague. By "It", I meant the review. I haven't read the book before!@@PaperbackJourneys
I tried reading this book a year ago and I plan on finishing cus I love the concept and the movie but I was reading lord Henry talk to his uncle about high society boredom etc and I literally yelled at the book “ get a job !” Ugh I had the same problem with newts emerald by Garth Nix I think I just hate high society lol
I think i had about 80 pages left of this book and had to dnf it, it was being beyond boring. I've read over 50 books since then had never dnfed anything ever again..
One of my biggest frustrations with modern looks at this book is how they all interpret him as having *dark* hair and *dark* eyes. Wilde went out of his way to describe this man as blond and blue eyed, but even to this day, the idea of someone who *looks* angelic but behaves badly is apparently a bridge too far.
Thank you for bringing up chapter 11!!! What the hell was that?! I was losing the will to live, I enjoyed every thing afterwards only because it wasn’t chapter 11.
It was one of those things where it felt like every page of that chapter weighed 10lbs. I roll my eyes when I turned and saw "There's more???" Such a strange chapter. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking that lol.
@@PaperbackJourneys definitely not alone! It’s amazing how one chapter can make or break a story. I thought I was just getting too distracted while reading but nah it was this dreaded 💀 chapter 11 💀
That’s sooooo funny. I’m on chapter 11 right now and I’ve already had to restart and reread it because I cannot pay attention to it, run on sentences galore and just overly explaining every little thing it’s bad, REALLY BAD. omg I feel validation, THANK YOU
The chapter is more like an indulgent panoramic meant to represent the minds ability to soar across the expanse of art and culture contained within the annals of history. The chapter is purposefully self-indulgent to represent how the book in the former chapter has consumed Grays mind, hence all of the obscure references to the art and events and romances of history, because these are the things Grays shallowly values and seeks to procure at any cost. It’s not necessarily the most fun read, but it makes sense and lets the reader understand what Gray begins to value after Harry rubs off on him so much.
ChatGPTs response: Exactly! You’ve captured the essence of Chapter 11 beautifully. The overwhelming detail and the exhaustive cataloging of Dorian’s interests are intentional, mirroring the obsessive, insatiable nature of his quest for knowledge, beauty, and sensory experiences. Wilde crafts the chapter as a labyrinth of luxury, art, and historical artifacts, which envelops the reader in the same way Dorian becomes enveloped by his own self-indulgence and desire for stimulation.
The sheer volume of references and the seemingly endless inventory of treasures underscore that, despite Dorian’s exhaustive pursuit of every art form, culture, and aesthetic indulgence, fulfillment remains elusive. This is where the irony of the chapter lies: Dorian has the privilege and means to explore everything that piques his interest, yet true satisfaction slips further away with each new obsession. The blinding, panoramic sweep across art and culture emphasizes that no matter how far he extends his reach into the expanse of human creation, it can never encompass the full spectrum of existence or satiate the void in his soul.
Wilde uses this chapter not just to showcase Dorian’s moral decay but to make a broader philosophical statement about the futility of trying to capture and consume all beauty and knowledge. The detail isn’t just a display of Wilde’s own vast knowledge; it’s a deliberate choice to show the intoxicating, ultimately destructive nature of Dorian’s pursuits.
It’s a testament to how Wilde could use the very structure and rhythm of his prose to reflect deeper themes. It’s great to see that you appreciate this often-misunderstood chapter as an integral part of the novel’s overall critique of vanity, excess, and the unquenchable thirst for experience.
“These days we’ve got Botox but back then they had to make deals with demons and stuff” 😅😅😅
Hahaha! I'm glad you liked that one. Thanks for commenting.
omg yes chapter 11 just dragged on so much I didn't even think I was reading the same book anymore!
I came to RUclips to just know that I’m not alone here with the 11th chapter cos, I literally can’t go forwards through 11.
Totally agree that Oscar Wilde’s voice and witticisms are so prevalent in the story that it’s almost impossible to see anything else. I read it many years ago, and I remember Wilde’s quipping, but I honestly don’t remember anything much else. Probably says a lot about the rest of the book.
I reckon you’re wise to skip the review of The Halloween Party. I read it in anticipation because it was one of the the few books on the original list I hadn’t read. In fact it was the first Agatha Christie novel I’ve read. Didn’t love it. I understand she wrote it really late on in her career when she was getting on in years. It shows. There’s chunks of plot that are left completely unresolved and it has a very “hey you kids, get off my lawn!” tone to it. I’ll try something from her in her prime I think.
I actually did read it but after doing so I decided I couldn't include it in this little group of classic horror. I think I got caught up by the hype of A Haunting in Venice just by seeing the trailer. I knew that it was based on this book and so I thought it would be a fun way to tie in it.
Also, it's so funny you mentioned the "get off my lawn" thing. So many characters are complaining about the youth of today and how girls don't respect themselves any more and young boys aren't gentlemen and nobody cares about family and community any more. I kept thinking wow this sounds like every grumpy neighbour I ever met 😂
Decadence and Luxury is a good way to describe that book. Dorian lives a life of luxury while his soul (and the painting) decay. It's such an amazing story, though I get why some people don't enjoy it. But the language is so lush, and the story is actually very raw.
Great review! I read it about a year ago and I instantly loved Wilde’s way of writing due to his wit. I agree with pretty much everything you brought up, especially getting bored (for me, gradually) sometime after the middle of the book. Idk it just dragged after a while and i feel like the story and the points he was trying to make could’ve been perfectly told in a more concise way🤷🏾♀. That’s why after i got bored, i stopped reading but i dont feel like i missed out by doing that! Plus i’ve read up on it and looked up how it ends so im not out of the loop lol.
Have you read or considered reading My Dark Vanessa by kate elizabeth russell? Total recommend!
Ooooh nice recommendation. I'll have to add that to my TBR list. Thank you for commenting and for the recommendation.
10:50 OMG! Would have really threw up on chapter 11!
Excellent review. Was just starting the book so this is a good primer into it.
Read the book in my 20’s. Liked it enough to purchase the audiobook and listen to it countless times. Not a boring book but not largely memorable either. It’s the language the book is written in that kept me coming back.
Yeah, I think you're right. This book is all about the pros and Oscar Wilde's ability to throw out witticisms.
The voicing at the beginning is sooo good.
Thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did all the narrating for my classic horror videos at the start of each one, reading my favorite lines from each book.
This is a great review
Thank you very much mate. That's nice of you to say, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really enjoyed this video so I’ve subscribed. It’s weird, I agreed with almost everything you said and said the same stuff to my husband, especially about chapter 11 and Lord Henry a.k.a. Oscar Wilde 😂 However, I enjoyed the book more after chapter 11. I feel like it felt darker and more gothic after that point, when before it was a lot of pretentiousness!
I’m a bit unsure what I thought overall, I might have to reread in future.
Oh that's great. I really appreciate it. Thanks for the sub. Yeah this was a weird one... definitely pretentious but I found that part at least funny in places.
the picture of dorian gray is the most dramatic example of "twink death" i have ever experienced.
I really enjoyed it! Thanks for the good review.
Hey! I'm glad that you enjoyed the book. I know it's a much beloved book. I just found that the second half of it didn't work for me. Thank you so much for commenting.
Thanks for your comment. Ironically, my sentence was accidentally vague. By "It", I meant the review. I haven't read the book before!@@PaperbackJourneys
This is one of my favorite books. There was only ONE chapter I didn’t like but I don’t remember if it was 11 or not
Maybe try The Oval Portrait by Edgar Allan Poe? It takes 5 mins to read but I think it give a good frame for Dorian Grey
I want spoilers 😂 Love your book reviews!
HAHA I will be back to the spoilers when I get back to The Dark Tower. Thanks for commenting.
I tried reading this book a year ago and I plan on finishing cus I love the concept and the movie but I was reading lord Henry talk to his uncle about high society boredom etc and I literally yelled at the book “ get a job !” Ugh I had the same problem with newts emerald by Garth Nix I think I just hate high society lol
9:45 I completely agree
Yeah it all fell apart at that point didn't it?
@@PaperbackJourneys yeah
I think i had about 80 pages left of this book and had to dnf it, it was being beyond boring. I've read over 50 books since then had never dnfed anything ever again..
I don't blame you mate. I wasn't quite at DNF level but I totally understand why someone would. It runs out of steam hard half way through.
One of my biggest frustrations with modern looks at this book is how they all interpret him as having *dark* hair and *dark* eyes. Wilde went out of his way to describe this man as blond and blue eyed, but even to this day, the idea of someone who *looks* angelic but behaves badly is apparently a bridge too far.
That’s fair
😃