The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde

ISBN: 9780199535989

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde crafts a haunting tale of vanity and moral decay through the story of a young man who becomes enamoured with his own portrait. Dorian Gray, upon seeing the exquisite painting created by Basil Hallward, wishes that he could remain forever youthful while the artwork ages in his stead. This wish, however, unleashes a dark transformation; as Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism and excess, the portrait starts to reflect the corruption of his soul, becoming increasingly grotesque. Wilde intricately explores themes of beauty, identity, and the consequences of living a life free from accountability, making this novel a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of superficiality and the nature of self-obsession.

Featured in at least 2 post-secondary course classes (last updated January 2025)

ISBNs of note: 9780199535989