http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005 by the authors Sun, 20 Jul 2003 20:34:09 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/24/130522.php#comment-13416 I've read a bit of Oscar Wilde - mostly short fairytales (which are beautiful), but I didn't come around to this masterpiece yet. I should put it on my reading list - it wasn't that long. 13416@blogcritics.org Sun, 20 Jul 2003 20:34:09 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/24/130522.php#comment-13413 I imagine I was too brief and not specific enough - there are humorous elements but the main theme is dark and serious. It was supposed to be a compliment to Wilde's work, which is not taken as seriously as it might be. 13413@blogcritics.org Sun, 20 Jul 2003 17:57:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/24/130522.php#comment-13410 I completely disagree, Eric! There is a lot that is funny in this story. Wilde revelled in contradictions. One of the genius points in this book is how well interlaced the dark horrifying bits are with the light humorous bits. The light bits are like the brilliant beautiful blue tips of the iceberg poking above the unseen scary body underneath. 13410@blogcritics.org Sun, 20 Jul 2003 16:48:25 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/24/130522.php#comment-13408 Today Wilde is mostly known for being a fop, a wit, and a comedian. TPODG is deeply penetrating and disturbingly powerful, nothing light or funny about it. 13408@blogcritics.org Sun, 20 Jul 2003 16:28:42 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/24/130522.php#comment-13403 I recently saw The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and took it upon myself to read The Picture of Dorian Gray. Being somewhat (and somewhat, being somewhat of an understatement) of a philosophy buff, I must admit I loved the novel. My fav line: The terror of society, which is the basis of morals, the terror of God, which is the secret of religion - these are the two things that govern us. 13403@blogcritics.org Sun, 20 Jul 2003 15:31:15 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/24/130522.php#comment-4126 Excellent book. I was just reminiscing over it with my sister as a matter of fact. A few favorite lines: "But the bravest man among us is afraid of himself. The mutilation of the savage has its tragic survival in the self-denial that mars our lives." "Conscience makes egotists of us all" "It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution." "The basis of optimism is sheer terror." 4126@blogcritics.org Sun, 2 Mar 2003 23:08:22 EST