The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Modern Retelling of Narcissus

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by the renowned Irish playwright and author, Oscar Wilde. First published in 1890, it has captivated readers for its exploration of beauty, morality, and the consequences of unchecked vanity. The story revolves around the young and handsome Dorian Gray, who makes a Faustian bargain to retain his youthful appearance while a portrait of him ages and bears the weight of his sins.

Just this weekend, a theater production of The Picture of Dorian Gray in London was awarded 2 Olivier Awards. The Olivier Awards are like the Oscars of British theater.

The Olivier Award Win

Sarah Snook, acclaimed for her role as Shiv Roy in Succession, achieved the best actress Olivier Award for her performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray. This one-woman production, currently captivating audiences in the West End, is a remarkable adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel. Snook’s portrayal of Dorian Gray, the protagonist, earned her this prestigious accolade. But what makes this play so compelling?

The Myth of Narcissus

To understand the play’s depth, we must explore the myth of Narcissus. According to ancient Greek mythology, Narcissus was a young man renowned for his extraordinary beauty. His story unfolds in five key ways, which intriguingly parallel Dorian Gray’s journey:

1. Beauty: Both Dorian Gray and Narcissus possess exquisite beauty. Basil Hallward, the artist in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” considers Dorian’s beauty the inspiration for his art. Unconsciously, Basil defines a fresh school—a blend of romantic passion and Greek perfection. Just as Narcissus was Greek, his influence subtly shapes Basil’s perception of Dorian’s allure.
2. Love: Dorian and Narcissus experience similar love plots. Dorian’s true love is Sibyl Vane, an actress who loses her ability to act due to her overwhelming love for him. When Dorian cruelly spurns her, she tragically takes her own life. Similarly, Echo, the nymph in love with Narcissus, cannot express her feelings due to a curse. Narcissus, too, rejects her love, leading to her silent suffering.
3. Vengeance: Both stories involve vengeance, ultimately leading to death. Aphrodite, enraged by Echo’s demise, curses Narcissus. Dorian, in his pursuit of revenge, kills Basil after the latter exposes his evil transformation. These acts of vengeance set in motion their tragic fates.
4. Death: Adonis and Narcissus, like Dorian, meet disastrous ends despite their beauty. Adonis, beloved by the goddess Aphrodite, dies in a hunting accident. Narcissus, captivated by his own reflection, wastes away by a pool of water. Henry’s comparisons to these mythic figures foreshadow the hedonistic chaos that engulfs Dorian and ultimately leads to his demise.
5. Narcissism: Dorian and Narcissus share overwhelming self-love. Women fall for Narcissus instantly due to his outer beauty, fueling his high opinion of himself. Similarly, Dorian’s vanity knows no bounds. His refusal to relinquish his beauty sets the stage for his tragic downfall.

The Picture of Dorian Gray : The Eternal Struggle

The Picture of Dorian Gray masterfully intertwines Wilde’s exploration of hedonism, beauty, and the Faustian bargain with the timeless myth of Narcissus. Dorian’s portrait ages while he remains eternally youthful, mirroring Narcissus’s obsession with his own reflection. Just like a true narcissist, Dorian loves himself excessively, striving for perfection at any cost.

In conclusion, Sarah Snook’s award-winning portrayal of Dorian Gray brings this mythic tale to life on the stage. Through her performance, we witness the consequences of unchecked vanity, the allure of eternal youth, and the haunting echoes of Narcissus himself. The Picture of Dorian Gray stands as a powerful reminder that self-love, when taken to extremes, can lead to tragic consequences.

You might enjoy our book Greece at the Oscars, which includes the 1945 Oscar-winning version of The Picture of Dorian Gray.