The Picture of Dorian Gray

Brief Overview

The Picture of Dorian Gray is the only published novel by Oscar Wilde, addressing themes of moral degradation and the internal struggle of the protagonist. The story follows the young and attractive Dorian Gray, who makes a pact that allows him to maintain eternal youth and beauty. Instead, his portrait ages, which he keeps hidden in a locked room. The novel explores themes of temptation, morality, and the search for one's true self during the Victorian era, highlighting the impact of external beauty and internal corruption on a person's life. Over time, Dorian loses his moral compass, committing numerous immoral acts while remaining outwardly beautiful, as his portrait transforms and disfigures, reflecting the decay of his soul. By the end of the novel, Dorian confronts the consequences of his reckless lifestyle, leading him to attempt to destroy the portrait, symbolizing his decayed inner nature, which ultimately results in his own demise, thus restoring the alignment between his outward appearance and his inner state.