#254 | Dorian Gray: The Original Influencer Who Sold His Soul for Likes—Is Oscar Wilde’s Classic Novel a Cautionary Tale for the Social Media Age? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 14, 2025 · 14 MIN

#254 | Dorian Gray: The Original Influencer Who Sold His Soul for Likes—Is Oscar Wilde’s Classic Novel a Cautionary Tale for the Social Media Age?

from Books for Men · host Douglas Vigliotti

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti explores Oscar Wilde’s classic novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray." He discusses Wilde’s life, literary significance, and the novel’s themes of vanity, morality, and the tension between public and private selves. Vigliotti highlights the book’s symbolism and memorable quotes, drawing parallels to modern social media culture and aiming to inspire men to read and reflect on classic literature and its enduring relevance.✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org.📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW!⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com.🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well.⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read.🗣️ Listen to episode #238 | Go Behind the Scenes with Picasso, Hemingway, and Early 20th Century Paris in Gertrude Stein's Unusual Autobiography From Her Partner's Eyes!🗣️ Listen to episode #251 | Why Hattie Williams' Debut Novel Is Proof Men Should Read More Women's Fiction!💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:Introduction & Book Promotion (00:00:09) - Douglas introduces the podcast, mentions "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and promotes his own book "Aristotle for Novelists."Oscar Wilde’s Background (00:01:19) - Overview of Oscar Wilde’s life, literary significance, legal troubles, and his legacy.Summary of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (00:03:18) - Brief plot summary, main characters, and central themes of the novel.Themes & Symbolism (00:04:27) - Discussion of the novel’s symbolism, especially the portrait and its relevance to modern life and social media.Oscar Wilde’s Prose & Style (00:05:55) - Analysis of Wilde’s aphoristic, witty, and philosophical writing style.Favorite Quotes & Paradoxes (00:07:19) - Sharing and reflecting on notable quotes from the novel, focusing on paradox and duality.More Memorable Quotes (00:08:26) - Additional punchy, humorous, and philosophical lines from the book.Quotes on Love, Uncertainty, and Mystery (00:11:08) - Quotes about love, uncertainty, and the allure of mystery, with personal reflections.Final Thoughts & Broadway Adaptation (00:12:49) - Closing thoughts on the book, mention of the Broadway adaptation, and encouragement to subscribe.Contact & Podcast Information (00:13:54) - Information on how to contact Douglas, learn about his book, and sign up for the podcast newsletter.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 14, 2025

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#254 | Dorian Gray: The Original Influencer Who Sold His Soul for Likes—Is Oscar Wilde’s Classic Novel a Cautionary Tale for the Social Media Age?

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