The Picture of Dorian Gray

Interesting Facts

• The book caused a huge scandal in Victorian society due to its immorality and homoerotic undertones.
• Oscar Wilde added a preface to the book in response to criticism, defending the artist's right to creative freedom.
• The main character, Dorian Gray, remains young and beautiful while his portrait ages and reflects all his sins and vices.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray was the only novel written by Oscar Wilde.
• The book addresses themes of hedonism, aestheticism, and moral degradation.
• The character of Lord Henry Wotton, who greatly influences Dorian, is considered an embodiment of Wilde's own philosophy.
• The novel was first published in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890, but was later revised and expanded for a standalone edition.