The Picture of Dorian Gray #844640

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. When Dorian Gray's portrait is painted by his friend Basil Hallward, he becomes enthralled by his own beauty and desires to stay eternally youthful while the portrait ages in his place. As Dorian indulges in a life of excess, he becomes increasingly corrupted, committing various immoral acts and leading others to ruin. However, he remains physically flawless and youthful, as his sins and aging are magically transferred to the portrait. However, haunted by his own conscience and the portrait's grotesque transformation, Dorian sinks into paranoia and guilt. He hides the portrait in his attic, away from prying eyes. Over time, the portrait becomes more and more grotesque, reflecting Dorian's inner corruption. The novel explores themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of one's actions in a decadent society.