“The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim.” — Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
Chapter 1–3: The Portrait and Lord Henry’s Influence
Basil Hallward, a talented artist, paints a portrait of the young and extraordinarily handsome Dorian Gray. At Basil’s studio, Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a hedonistic aristocrat who fascinates him with his cynical views on beauty and pleasure. Dorian becomes obsessed with preserving his youth, wishing the portrait would age instead of him.
Chapter 4–6: The Corruption Begins
Dorian falls in love with Sibyl Vane, a poor but gifted actress. However, when her acting falters after experiencing true love, Dorian cruelly rejects her. Sibyl kills herself, but Dorian remains indifferent, noticing the first change in his portrait—a subtle sneer. He hides the painting away.
Chapter 7–10: Descent into Decadence
Under Lord Henry’s influence, Dorian indulges in a life of vice, seeking every sensual and intellectual pleasure. Years pass, yet he remains youthful while the portrait grows increasingly grotesque, reflecting his moral decay. Rumors of his debauchery spread, but society still admires him for his beauty.
Chapter 11–14: The Hidden Horror
Dorian becomes paranoid about the portrait’s secret. He blackmails Basil into seeing the corrupted image, then murders him in a fit of rage. He disposes of the body with the help of a former friend, Alan Campbell, who later commits suicide out of guilt.
Chapter 15–20: The Final Reckoning
Haunted by guilt and fear, Dorian attempts reform but fails. In a moment of rage and despair, he stabs the portrait, hoping to destroy it. Instead, he collapses dead, his body now aged and hideous, while the portrait reverts to its original beauty.
Key Ideas
- The destructive nature of vanity and hedonism.
- The conflict between outward beauty and inner corruption.
- The consequences of living without moral responsibility.
- The power of influence and manipulation.
- The duality of human nature.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | The Picture of Dorian Gray | Classic film adaptation starring Hurd Hatfield. |
| 2009 | Dorian Gray | Modern retelling with Ben Barnes in the lead role. |
| Various | Stage plays | Frequently adapted for theater, emphasizing Gothic horror. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of Gothic literature and psychological horror.
- Readers interested in philosophical debates on morality and art.
- Those who enjoy dark, character-driven narratives.