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Clara Simpson 11/18/13 English 10 HON Picturing Dorian Gray Literary Criticism Sanyal, Arundhati. "Taboo in The Picture of Dorian Gray." Quoted as "Taboo in The Picture of Dorian in Bloom, Harold, ed. The Taboo, Blooms Literary Themes. New York: Chelsea House Publishing, 2010. Blooms Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. November 12,2013.

Arundhati provides a highly intellectual as well as in-depth analysis of Oscar Wildes novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. From Dorians initial youth and innocence to his morally-lacking downfall, Arundhati explores the deeper meanings behind the novellas motifs of loss of innocence, the purpose of art, and the darker consequences of hedonism. The Portrait of Dorian Gray is a novel charged with symbolism that seeks to inform the reader of the impossibility of living ones life without ones moral choices being reflected on themselves.

This article offers a wealth of knowledge for the reader seeking to further his understanding of the books numerous themes in a way that goes beyond the initial meaning behind them by developing upon them and tying them to the authors real life experiences. Subtle references to Dorians depravity are clearly elaborated upon such as when Dorian causes Sybil, a formerly successful actress to commit suicide by admitting that he did not love her for her personality, but rather for her ability to become other characters or personas through acting. Despite these positive attributes, the reader is required to already have a solid grasp and good understanding of the book; Sanyals lengthy discourse is almost too lengthy and may confuse the uninitiated.

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Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Encyclopedia of Gothic Literature. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. November 12,2013.

In a relatively brief but well-informed manner, Snodgrass delves into the contents of Oscar Wildes famous novella, The Portrait of Dorian Gray, and gives an overview and summary of the rocky relationship between Dorian and his portrait. By quoting certain passages of the book, she manages to inform as well as clarify the reader on the subject of Dorians lack of empathy and overall cold demeanor. Snodgrass also provides a simplified glimpse at the novels many intense passages, as well as the final chapters, in order to give the reader a comprehensive look at the meaning behind them.

Instead of focusing on the novels more artistic aspects, such as the many intricate descriptions of Dorians expansive art collection and beautiful depiction of Victorian lifestyle, Snodgrass takes a brutal look at the novels more sordid nature. As if she wanted to make readers shy away from reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, Snodgrass writes honestly about the books alternate face, its more sobering reality. By reading this article, the reader is made aware of the gruesome depictions of murder and revenge present in the book, and also made aware of the rising and falling action of it, leaving no detail unmentioned. After reading this article, the squeamish will think twice about indulging in Oscar Wildes rendition of European corruption.

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Author Information Stade, George, and Karen Karbiener. "Wilde, Oscar." Encyclopedia of British Writers, 1800 to the Present, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2009. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. November 12, 2013.

In detailed chronological order, Stade recalls the life and death of famous Victorian author Oscar Wilde. From Wildes birth, to his studies at Portora Royal School for Boys, to his rise to fame and disastrous downfall, Stade offers a comprehensive look at Wildes inspirations and aspirations. The authors tragic life story is revealed, as well as the reasons for his imprisonment and exile. In the process, Stade includes several well known works of Wildes, in addition to where and when he created them. Stade also offers a separate analysis of Wildes most famous work, The Picture of Dorian Gray, in order to illustrate the controversy that Wildes behavior and works raised in his European society.

After reading The Picture of Dorian Gray, one might want to find out more about the novels enigmatic author, and Stades article provides such information, and more. Utilizing clear, precise diction while describing Oscar Wildes legacy renders the text understandable and accessible to a variety of people, from students to college professors. If looking for answers as to what made Wilde famous, or what made inspired him to write The Picture of Dorian Gray, Stades rendition of Wildes life in concise paragraphs is the go-to source for any curious individual. In addition to being specific, Stade seems to feel sorry for Wildes hard life and makes a point of specifying that in the end, Wilde died in poverty in Paris, alone and abandoned by those he trusted.

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Snodgrass, Mary Ellen. "Wilde, Oscar." Encyclopedia of Gothic Literature. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2005. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. November 12, 2013.

Snodgrasss article offers insight on the life of famous author Oscar Wilde by providing a detailed analysis of his family background, his inspirations, and an explanation as to why Wilde was seen as controversial. In the process, she provides examples of passages of Wildes works such as The Canterville Ghost in order to grant a deeper understanding of the ways in which Wilde opposed the cliches of the smug Victorian society he lived in and its hypocrisy. In addition to this, Snodgrass peppers the article with references to Wildes productions, in an effort to add depth and content to the document.

Snodgrass recaps the highs and lows of The Picture of Dorian Gray author Oscar Wilde in a way that retains the attention of the reader by including various examples and passages of his works. By utilizing advanced diction and clearly explaining different aspects of Wildes stories, any confused casual reader, student, or scholar will reach new levels of deeper understanding after reading this document. Thanks to attention to small details such as how Wildes suffering influenced another famous author, Bram Stoker in writing Dracula, the reader is able to understand how Wildes persistence in writing controversial novels helped break down the rigid structure of Victorian society. This article is a must-read for any person looking for a clear, informational summary of the dynamics of Wildes train of thought.

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Subject/Issues Fox, Paul. "innocence and experience in The Picture of Dorian Gray." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011.Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. November 12, 2013.

In an attempt to explain the subjects of innocence and experience in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Fox picks several instances in the book that apply to these ideas and further elaborates upon them in a scholarly, analytical manner. He expands on what Wilde has hinted, giving lengthy explanations in an attempt to illustrate the true meaning behind Dorians heinous deeds, also including a final paragraph about the books final chapters, giving closure to The Picture of Dorian Grays unanswered questions.

Foxs perspective on The Picture of Dorian Grays major themes of experience and innocence is precise and accurate; taking the most memorable instances of Dorians lapse of innocence, he goes into detail as to the more obscure connotations present in the novel, displaying a true mastery of the subject at hand. The article uses diverse diction in order to correctly represent and define the subtle nuances in Wildes narrative, but prevents itself from becoming over-complicated and looking for hidden meanings behind things when there are none. All in all, Foxs take on The Picture of Dorian Gray leaves the reader feeling content and enlightened.

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Fox, Paul. "identity in The Picture of Dorian Gray." McClinton-Temple, Jennifer ed. Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2011. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. November 12, 2013.

This article seeks to expand upon the theme of identity in Oscar Wildes famous novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and does so in a series of well versed analyses of different instances where innocence is applicable in the novel. Included in the article are several explanations of the protagonist Dorians behavior, from his actions to every possible meaning or significance behind them, Fox leaves no stone unturned regarding the possible presence of innocence in the novel. Fox takes an analytical approach to a mature theme in a way that is meant to be interesting and educating.

Foxs take on the many subtle themes present in The Picture of Dorian is of a highly educated level and consistently aims to go deeper in explaining them than just scratching the surface. Rather than simply explaining the meaning behind one event and then moving on to another, Fox elaborates on the significance of a certain act in the book then digs deep into the novel by relating said act to others and illustrating how they are all-interconnected, as well as defining the larger meaning behind them. This article aims not to be a brief or shallow overview of a subject of no importance, but an in-depth commentary of a mature idea that is present not only in the book, but also in everyday life.

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