Vivian Grey the assumption that Vivian Grey is synonymous with the young Benjamin Disraeli. The British poet Mary Montgomerie Lamb took her pen name 'Violet Fane' from a character in this novel. Some commentaters have suggested that "Vivian Grey" influenced Oscar Wilde in the writing of his only novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray". Vivian Grey Vivian Grey is Benjamin Disraeli's first novel, published by Henry Colburn in 1826. Originally published anonymously, ostensibly by a so-called "man of fashion," part 1 caused a considerable sensation in London society. Contemporary reviewers, suspicious of the numerous solecisms contained within the text, eventually identified the
The Picture of Dorian Gray with Sibyl, but he is too late, as Lord Henry informs him that Sibyl has killed herself. Dorian then understands that, where his life is headed, lust and beauty shall suffice. Dorian locks the portrait up, and over the following eighteen years, he experiments with every vice, influenced by a morally poisonous French novel that Lord Henry Wotton gave him. One night, before leaving for Paris, Basil goes to Dorian's house to ask him about rumours of his self-indulgent sensualism. Dorian does not deny his debauchery, and takes Basil to see the portrait. The portrait has become so hideous that