Robert Hichens
The Green Carnation follows the journey of a young man who is captivated by his own beauty and charm, using his allure to navigate a world filled with social intrigue and artistic aspirations. As he interacts with various characters, the story explores the intersection of vanity, self-adoration, and the complexities of societal expectations. The protagonist’s fixation on his appearance leads him to confront the limits of authenticity in a world steeped in scandal and moral ambiguity. His encounters with individuals who share his worldview bring to light deeper questions about hedonism, the nature of sin, and the pursuit of art. The novel paints a vivid picture of a social landscape where beauty, self-identity, and artistic expression clash with the constraints of conventional morality. It invites readers to reflect on the conflict between personal desires and the societal norms that govern behavior, all while examining the search for genuine expression amid a backdrop of vanity and pretense.