The picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic novel by Oscar Wilde that explores themes of vanity, moral corruption, and the consequences of a hedonistic lifestyle. The story follows Dorian Gray, a handsome young man who becomes infatuated with his own beauty. Under the influence of the hedonistic artist Basil Hallward and the corrupt philosopher Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian leads a life of indulgence and excess, while his portrait ages and bears the marks of his immoral actions.

As Dorian’s life becomes increasingly depraved, the portrait in his attic grows more grotesque, reflecting the toll of his sins, while he himself remains physically unchanged. The novel examines the dangers of pursuing beauty and pleasure at the cost of one’s soul, offering a critique of Victorian society's obsession with appearances.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is both a psychological study and a cautionary tale about the effects of vanity, indulgence, and the consequences of a life lived without moral accountability.