Encounters with Realism

James Joyce in 1904

#6 Dubliners by James Joyce

 Ever since I left for Ireland, I’ve been carrying around the next book Dubliners.  This book which is a compilation of fifteen separate short stories was written by James Joyce in and about early 20^th Century life in Dublin.  The stories are told through the eyes of narrators at various stages in life, and each is progressively older than the next.  

It took me awhile to really get into this, and it may just be because the writing style is so relaxed and fluid.  The stories need no build up or introduction, and as you read, you have to allow yourself to fall into the scene.  

What I have found to be most intriguing is the simplicity and realism within each story.  Joyce is the type who picks each word carefully and will not overdo the description.  Because of this, time seems to pass at the true pace of experiencing a memory. 

These scenes are snippets of average, everyday life for all middle class Dubliners at this time.  But there is also a powerful message in each one of these stories.  I find most of them are unsettling in some way.  Each seems to hold a key lesson.  There is always something to be silently observed from the distance in these stories, and the difference between succeeding and failing at what appears the smallest insignificant moment becomes symbolic of the larger picture.  

Much of Joyce’s intent when it comes to the emotion of each story is to demonstrate how life is never as simple as it seems on the surface for a Dubliner.  Routine is inevitable at the end of the day.  To break away requires change for the better and can depend on another's cooperation.  Or the joys in life may very well be missed for fear of taking the next step into the unknown.  

The Liffey Swim by Jack Butler Yeats

#5 The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Ivan Albright

 Finally, finished with The Picture of Dorian Gray.  After getting over occupied with traveling, and useless distractions to follow, I'm back to give a review.  

This book was definitely worth finishing, though I had a bit of a hunch about how it would end.  Nevertheless, it was entertaining enough and touches on a subject that very few stories are about.  The acts of corruption seem to plague Dorian and those he comes into contact with not long after the portrait of his perfect face is finished.  After he comes to the understanding that his young face will change with age until he is no longer appreciated, he decides he would do anything to avoid this inevitable future.  He fears getting old, or having an ugly face.

What I found most entertaining about the story was the depiction of the inner driving force which propels a person to commit such terrible acts.  Murder as an example is something that most would never consider.  Thus, it is interesting to observe the way a person would come to such a point that murder would seem reasonable.  It is more a study of a state of mind, and a motivation.

From a distance, Dorian Gray can be skewed as the archetype of an evil aristocrat.  When he wants something, he has enough influence to get it.  Even if the service or thing is questionable, no one will raise a brow to his request.  It is parallel to the idea that living at a status above others can poison the soul.  The combination of unlimited resources, additional leisure time and boredom is a recipe for devious tactics.  The problem flowers from Dorian's focus to pursue his desires.

Lastly, I believe this book is somewhat symbolic of forbidden information.  It seems once Dorian is 'in the know' he can no longer live his life the same.  He claims the book he was given is filled with terrible information, the type that will pollute the mind.

The Novel of Classic Controversy

#5  The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde looking fancy

 The Picture of Dorian Gray is a mirror into the world of Oscar Wilde. This author was no stranger to celebrity. In fact, Wilde understood the power of being talked about to the point that he could be compared to the likes of Lady Gaga today. But, it was not just the writing, fancy dress, or traveling about America to teach aesthetics which made Wilde the talk of his time. It's safe to say the real controversy came from his slowly unveiled identity which clashed with mode of Victorian society. 

Dorian Gray is a beautiful youth.  An artist paints his picture finishing it at the most opportune moment when Dorian Gray is struck with the thoughtful expression of a deeper meaning on his face.  It is the look of realization, and the surrender of his blissful ignorance.  Seeing the picture will remain in the same moment it was finished for all time, Dorian realizes the picture will always lie in showing his youth even after he ages.  Dorian is taught earlier than most that his good looks will slowly fade to the undeveloped nothing underneath.

After reading only the first few sentences, I was immediately impressed by the language alone. For quite some time I've been developing my own voice by considering things like the lack of beauty especially in the English literature, and interestingly enough, this is worth mentioning early in the novel by Oscar Wilde. Because, that's exactly where this story finds its place up on the shelf. It's a fantasy to read. Though it's not always happy, it is enchanting to be within the story.

Most of the time, it's hard to really figure out what the guests are rambling on about at their dinner parties, but no one seems to notice, for the dialogue continues to hold the crowd in expression alone rather than needing to rely on the reasoning of it all.

So far, this book has made me rediscover why I wanted to become a writer, and it's like a breath of fresh air. It’s often that I struggle with developing the most unique and original grand theme- A reason larger than life to write and convey in the best way, exactly what it is I have to say. Though I almost forgot why I found writing my niche in the first place. For the controversy... boom, explosion, gasp!

Dorian Gray in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)

It has always been a goal of mine to uncover the lies in life. I feel it's wiser to be skeptical of what others would have you believe is reality. This may be the real reason why a person chooses the arts. Once the ideas turn to words that burn in your mouth and you can no longer hold them back, you are ready to write.

The Eighteenth Century, Political Satire

Gulliver looking like a giant in Lilliput

 In honor of my upcoming trip to Ireland, I've decided to cover some well known Irish authors in the next three weeks.  One of my favorites by one of my favorites.  

#4 Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

For those who don't know, Gulliver is an Englishman who journey's to far off places and records the various cultures and societies he encounters, and each world has its own fantasy twist.

 In one land, the people are small enough to fit in his hand, and another the people look like giants and he can see all of the blemishes on their skin. And then, there are the floating islands in the sky.  All the while, he has left his wife and kids at home, and upon his return with all of these crazy stories, they begin to suspect his mental health is suffering.

Since I read it way back in high school, I've forgotten a lot of the specifics. And actually, it can be quite difficult to understand at times, given it's packed with political themes. Things that your average high school student hasn't thought about much. But I'm back prepared after studying history in college, and funny enough, it makes much more sense!
 

The point that most will fail to see in comparing these different worlds is that it is for the sake understanding the good and bad of society. Or to venture into what makes a true 'utopian' society. This theme is very common to the 18^th century.

James Gillray's The King of Brobdingnag and Gulliver

For the first time, new political ideals were explored with the establishment of new governments which popped up all over the vast uncharted continents and islands that make up the Americas. (for the Old World at least) And, people were throwing around theories about how to go about it all.

The book is just the same. It's bold for its time and satire at its best. 

Original Picture