The Picture of Dorian Gray
Easy to Read Classic
-
- $4.99
Publisher Description
A handsome young man, Dorian Gray wishes that his portrait rather he would age. The wish is fulfilled and Dorian pursues hedonistic pleasures. After each of his questionable immoral activities, he finds his portrait continues to become increasingly ugly. Finally, after many years out of guilt, Dorian stabs the image and the result is that he dies as an old man while the portrait reverts to the original images of the handsome young man.
This is an easy to read abridged (shortened), and adapted classic novel with 10 illustrated chapters at an easier to read level. This concise format improves fluency, vocabulary and comprehension and is a useful tool for improving English skills. This format is ideal for remedial reading, bilingual education, people learning English as a second language, English Language Learners, and people of any age intending to improve reading skills or anyone for whom the original version might be too long or difficult. This book is high interest, low readability and improves comprehension and fluency. This book was written at reading grade level 4-5. This material is appropriate and entertaining for both children and adults.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
First published in 1890 in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine and the following year in novel form, The Picture of Dorian Gray categorically changed Victorian Britain and the landscape of literature. An ostentatious, self-confessed aesthete, known for his wit and intellect, Wilde not only had to endure his prose being labeled "poisonous" and "vulgar," but also suffer its use as evidence in the ensuing trial, resulting in his eventual imprisonment for crimes of "gross indecency." Frankel's introduction provides a deft preliminary analysis of the novel itself exploring etymology and extensive editorial alterations (both accidental and deliberate) and offers valuable insight into the socio-cultural juxtaposition of aristocratic Victorian society and the London underworld. The original typescript provides the unique opportunity to examine what was considered acceptable in both the US and UK at the time. Intriguing annotations allude to Wilde's influences and enterprising range of reference, incorporating art, poetry, literature, Greek mythology, philosophy, and fashion (certain to inspire further reading; an appendix is provided). Comparisons are drawn between Dorian Gray and Wilde's other literary output, as well as to the work of Walter Pater. Numerous illustrations subtly compliment Frankel s inferences. A fine contextualization of a major work of fiction profoundly interpreted, ultimately riveting.
