The Picture of Dorian Gray is set in the 1890’s in London, England. When reading this book, you notice the differences between social classes, the popularity of Shakespeare in the theatre, the layed-back life of the wealthy classes, and the extravagant homes of the rich. One of the main things this book has to offer is what daily life was like for the wealthy people. Dorian Gray in this book is an extremely wealthy person. Many times in the book he throws parties and attends parties with minor royalty found in London at that time, and other aristocrats of the time period (Wilde 132). Also, Dorian attends the theatre and opera many times in the book, which was very popular and entertaining at that time. You also notice the popularity of Shakespeare, and you see Dorian’s outlook on it while he attends a small theater to see Sibyl Vane, his crush, who just so happens to be a great actor (Wilde 52). The book does not really address any social issues of the time. The only time where it might be apparent is in the thoughts of Sibyl Vane’s mother and Dorian’s friends because they are surprised he wants to marry someone far below his social class.
Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barns & Noble Classics, 2003. Print.
No comments:
Post a Comment