TL;DR
A young man named Dorian Gray remains eternally youthful while his portrait ages, reflecting the corruption of his soul.
What is The Picture of Dorian Gray about
The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, is a gothic novel that explores themes of aestheticism, moral corruption, and the duality of human nature. The story revolves around Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages and bears the consequences of his actions while he remains youthful. Wilde uses the characters of Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton to reflect different aspects of society and morality. The novel was controversial upon its release in 1890 for its perceived promotion of vice and immorality, leading to its censorship and banning in various contexts.
The Picture of Dorian Gray 6 Key Takeaways
Introduction of Dorian Gray
The story begins in the art studio of Basil Hallward, who is painting a portrait of the beautiful and innocent Dorian Gray. Lord Henry Wotton, Basil's witty and cynical friend, meets Dorian and begins to influence him with his hedonistic worldview.
The wish for eternal youth
Dorian becomes enamored with the idea of preserving his youth and beauty forever. He makes a wish that he could remain young while the portrait ages instead. This wish is mysteriously granted.
Moral decline
As Dorian indulges in a life of excess and vice, his physical appearance remains unchanged, but his portrait becomes increasingly grotesque, reflecting the corruption of his soul. He becomes estranged from friends and causes tragedy, such as the suicide of actress Sybil Vane.
Confrontation with the portrait
Years pass, and Dorian's reputation becomes tainted by rumors of his debauchery. Basil confronts Dorian about these rumors, and Dorian shows him the now-hideous portrait. In a fit of rage, Dorian murders Basil.
Attempt at redemption
Dorian begins to feel remorse and decides to change his ways. However, he finds that he cannot escape his past actions or the portrait's hold on him.
Dorian's demise
In an attempt to destroy the portrait and thus free himself from its curse, Dorian stabs it. This act reverses the spell, and Dorian is found dead and aged, with the portrait restored to its original, youthful appearance.
Top The Picture of Dorian Gray Quotes
- 'The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.'
- 'Experience is merely the name men gave to their mistakes.'
- 'The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.'
Who should read The Picture of Dorian Gray?
This book is ideal for readers interested in gothic literature, moral philosophy, and the complexities of human nature. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of beauty, vice, and the consequences of living a hedonistic lifestyle.
The Picture of Dorian Gray Best Reviews
- The New York Times described Wilde's novel as 'an arresting story, one that suggests a deep moral underlying the beautiful surface.'
- Arthur Conan Doyle praised the book as 'a wonderfully fascinating tale, with a powerful moral.'
- Virginia Woolf noted that 'The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel that explores the deepest recesses of the human soul.'
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The Picture of Dorian Gray FAQs
What is The Picture of Dorian Gray book about?
The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a young man who remains eternally youthful while his portrait ages, reflecting the corruption of his soul. The story explores themes of aestheticism, moral corruption, and the duality of human nature.
Why is The Picture of Dorian Gray a banned book?
The novel has faced numerous challenges since its publication in 1890 due to its 'indecent content.' It was denounced for promoting immorality and vice, but over time it has earned its place in the literary canon.
Is The Picture of Dorian Gray hard to read?
Some readers find the novel challenging due to its dense and elaborate dialogue. However, it remains a rewarding read for those interested in gothic literature and complex moral themes.