(B) The Picture of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde, 1891) Grade: A
Absolutely brilliant. Wilde’s only novel is a gem and demonstrates his great mind. The most obvious theme regards the importance society places on the superficial and beautiful. Wilde also touches upon the purpose of art, specifically the aestheticism movement, which is the belief that art is created for its beauty without any other moral or social purpose. This parallels Dorian’s character, as he was beautiful superficially but lacked any morality.

(B/M) Lady Windermere’s Fan/A Good Woman (Oscar Wilde, 1892/2004) Grade: A/B-
I suspect that Hollywood is incapable of producing a suitable film adaptation of Wilde’s plays. The Importance of Being Earnest (2002) was a very disappointing film and lost much of the original play’s wit. In A Good Woman, some of the plot points are modified, which is understandable since plays with only three sets don’t translate well on screen. This film, however, was a poor adaptation. Sigh. And Helen Hunt was poorly cast as Mrs. Erlynne.