The Picture of Dorian Gray

Dorian Gray is a handsome and charming young man whose beauty captivates everyone around him, especially the artist Basil Hallward, who paints his portrait. Influenced by the witty and cynical Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian becomes obsessed with youth and pleasure. In a moment of vanity, he wishes that the portrait would age in his place while he remains forever young.
As the years pass, Dorian indulges in a life of selfishness and excess, yet his face stays flawless. Meanwhile, the hidden portrait grows increasingly grotesque, revealing the moral decay of his soul. Haunted by guilt and fear, Dorian struggles with the consequences of his choices.
Blending gothic elements with sharp social commentary, Oscar Wilde’s only novel explores themes of temptation, conscience, identity, and the true cost of vanity. It remains one of the most celebrated classics of English literature.