Commentary on the Picture of Dorian Gray - Part 1

This will be the first in a long series of posts, basically detailing thoughts and impressions from the books I am and will be reading. I'm thinking about using these posts as an exercise in writing and in analyzing, because, guess what? You notice so much more while reading if you read like you've got an essay to write. It's freaky, but it makes sense. I wish I'd realized it sooner.

I put off reading The Picture of Dorian Gray for a while, and now that I've finally read it, I regret that I hadn't started long ago. The entire book seems to ooze a vivid, breathtaking atmosphere, permeated alternately with grace and darkness. It's simply addictive. In this first part, I'll stick to just the beginning, because it deserves lots of attention.

( Warning: spoilers in abundance. )