Now a revered gothic classic, when this novel was first published it was said to be poisonous and, ‘heavy with the mephitic odours of moral and spiritual putrefaction – a gloating study of the mental and physical corruption of a fresh, fair and golden youth . . .’
Dorian Gray is granted eternal youth and good looks, but under the influence of a cold and calculating older gentleman, he dedicates his life to sensual pleasure. While he descends ever deeper into the world of sex, drugs, and crime, the image in his portrait preserves the record of every sin, growing more and more hideous as the years go by. Can Dorian continue to keep his dreadful secret, or will it destroy him?
Keynote Classics™ unabridged classic literature feature a no-spoiler Introductory Key, explanatory footnotes, and wide margins for note-taking to help readers get more from their reading experience, and remember, discuss, or write more confidently about classic literature.
Annotated Keynote Classics™ begin with an Introductory Key to the work with hints about what to look for to find deeper meaning. Unlike other literature study guides, they contain no spoilers and don’t specify themes, motifs, and symbols found in the novel. Instead, they point out general ideas and things to pay attention to that help you find your own interpretations. Footnotes help foster understanding, and historical context about the author and the prevailing culture provides important perspective. Questions are provided at the end to help inspire discussion or essay topics. Teachers recommend that you read actively and engage with the text to help you draw on your own knowledge and experience to get more out of a novel. Keynote Classics™ paperbacks provide more space in the margins for writing down thoughts, connections, and interpretations as you read.
Tabella dei contenuti
Introductory Key to The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Topics for Discussion or Essays
Major Works of Oscar Wilde
Bibliography
Circa l’autore
Michelle M. White has always loved reading classic novels and history books while raising her kids and working as a book designer. When her youngest son finished homeschool and started college, she too went back to school and earned degrees in History and English, focusing on nineteenth century culture and literature. She put her passion for books and history to work in her dream job by publishing Annotated Keynote Classics. Her favorite part is researching the authors and their times in history, putting it into context with their work, and discovering the clues that will help readers and students to get more enjoyment from the books. Michelle lives in South Florida with her husband, son, and their dog and cat. In addition to reading, she enjoys beach time, travel, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Learn more about Michelle M. White and her work at Keynote Classics.com