The Picture of Dorian Gray is about a young and handsome man who becomes the subject of a portrait. As he delves into a life of hedonism and moral corruption, the painting reflects his true self, aging and deteriorating while he remains youthful and untouched. This classic novel by Oscar Wilde explores the themes of beauty, morality, and the pursuit of pleasure.
Table of Content
The Picture Of Dorian Gray Book Summary
Dorian Gray, a young and charming man, poses for the talented artist Basil Hallward. Dorian meets Basil's friend, Lord Henry, who influences him with his hedonistic views. Dorian becomes infatuated with his own beauty after seeing the finished portrait and wishes that the painting would age instead of him.
His wish comes true, and Dorian indulges in a life of excess and moral degradation while the portrait reflects his sins, growing more hideous with each passing day. Dorian's actions lead to the suicide of his lover, the actress Sibyl Vane, and he remains unaffected by the tragedy.
As years pass, Dorian's outward appearance remains youthful, but his soul is tarnished. The painting provides a window to his true self, reminding him of his corruption. Dorian becomes increasingly paranoid and locks the portrait away.
He engages in countless affairs and seeks pleasure in every form, causing harm to those around him. His friend Basil confronts Dorian about his lifestyle, leading Dorian to show him the hidden portrait. In a fit of rage, Dorian kills Basil to keep his secret safe.
Dorian's descent continues as he lives a double life, publically admired for his beauty while privately consumed by guilt and fear. He seeks salvation and even considers reforming his ways.
However, his attempts are in vain, and he sinks deeper into despair. The portrait reappears, now aged and corrupted, reflecting the accumulated sins of Dorian. In a desperate attempt to be free, Dorian stabs the painting, leading to his own demise.
The servants of Dorian's house discover the body of an old man, while the portrait has transformed back to its original state of youth and beauty. The world is left to wonder at the sudden and unexplained death of Dorian Gray.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray Quotes
- To define is to limit
- The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it
- Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing
The Picture Of Dorian Gray Ending Explained
At the end of The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian's life of debauchery and sin comes to a climactic close.
After realizing the true nature of his soul, Dorian becomes overwhelmed with horror and stabs the portrait, inadvertently causing his own death. The servants, upon hearing a cry, rush into the locked room to find Dorian Gray dead on the floor, his body aged and decrepit, while the portrait has reverted to its original young and unblemished form.
The book concludes with the implication that Dorian's tale serves as a cautionary example of the destructive power of vanity and moral corruption.
Characters in book The Picture Of Dorian Gray
- Dorian Gray: The young and beautiful protagonist who is influenced by the decadent Lord Henry and becomes obsessed with his own beauty.
- Lord Henry Wotton: A witty aristocrat known for his hedonistic views on life, he corrupts Dorian with his philosophies.
- Basil Hallward: A talented artist who creates the infamous portrait of Dorian and becomes deeply infatuated with him.
- Sibyl Vane: A beautiful and talented actress who falls in love with Dorian, leading to tragic consequences.
- James Vane: Sibyl's brother who seeks revenge on Dorian after the death of his sister.
- Alan Campbell: A scientist and former friend of Dorian who is blackmailed into destroying evidence of Dorian's crimes.
Key Lessons
- The Nature of Beauty: Beauty, when pursued as the highest ideal, can lead to moral decay and spiritual destruction.
- Consequences of Actions: Every action, no matter how hidden or justified it may seem, carries with it a consequence that will eventually come to light.
- Misguided Influence: Be wary of those who may lead you astray with their charming words and false philosophies.
- Value Over Appearance: True worth lies in the character and actions of an individual, not in their outward appearance or public image.
- Embrace Change: Embracing the natural cycle of life, including aging and change, is essential for personal growth and wisdom.
My Personal Opinion
Is The Picture of Dorian Gray worth reading? Definitely! I found it to be a thought-provoking and intense exploration of human nature and the consequences of one's actions.
I was captivated by Wilde's eloquent prose and his deep insights into aestheticism and moral decay. Although at times the book's pace can be slow, the character development is exceptional. What I didn't particularly like was the heavy-handedness of the novel's moral message, which I felt could have been more subtly integrated into the narrative.
I would recommend this book to readers who are drawn to philosophical and psychological themes. The relentless pursuit of pleasure and beauty, contrasted with the harsh realities of life, makes this novel a fascinating and cautionary read. It will resonate with those who ponder the deeper aspects of human existence.