The Picture of Dorian Gray

Author: Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a philosophical novel published in 1891 by Oscar Wilde. The story, in brief, revolves around a handsome, innocent young man who becomes captivated by life's pleasures and whose human desires and urges for gratification are stirred within him, leading him down a path of evil. He falls into a conflict between good and evil, ultimately collapsing. Desire triumphs over morals, leading the soul to indulge in evil, only for that soul to eventually fight evil with a moral calling stemming from human nature.

The story begins in the studio of the painter Basil Hallward and his close friend Lord Henry Wotton, who are discussing Hallward's new painting of a captivating young man named Dorian Gray. They speak of how perfect Dorian is; he is extremely good and utterly innocent, as well as the most beautiful man to have ever walked the earth, which makes Lord Henry desire to meet this mysterious youth. Lord Henry's nature is that human nature which incites evil and the pursuit of desires.

Henry succeeds in his endeavor and meets Dorian, and indeed manages to change Dorian's innocent view of the world. Dorian begins to see life as Lord Henry sees it, due to Henry's strange views about the world which fascinate him, adopting a new kind of pleasure.

The novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a legend, yet many who have read it have considered it a reality. This confusion in not determining whether it is truth or legend only indicates Oscar Wilde's creativity. In any case, the story is a wonderful one that carries many symbols and meanings from which we can benefit.