The Picture of Dorian Gray chronicles the life of Dorian Gray, a 19th-century British aristocrat whose portrait, painted by Basil Hallward, becomes enchanted to bear the marks of his aging and moral corruption while Dorian himself remains young and beautiful. Influenced by the hedonistic lord, Henry Wotton, Dorian embarks on a life of selfish indulgence, leading to tragedy and scandal for those around him, ultimately resulting in his own demise. The book contains incidences of suicide, destructive behaviors, substance abuse, and explicit violence.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde has been praised for its captivating prose, vivid imagery, and deep exploration of aestheticism and moral decay. Critics admire Wilde's wit and the novel's philosophical depth, though some find its characters underdeveloped and its moralistic tone heavy-handed. Overall, it stands as a thought-provoking and richly crafted work.

A reader who relishes rich prose, philosophical musings on morality, and gothic aesthetic would enjoy The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Bram Stoker's Dracula will appreciate its exploration of human nature and dark themes. Suitable for those captivated by art, decadence, and ethical dilemmas.

Mysterious / Dark / Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet

Oscar Wilde

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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The Picture of Dorian Gray Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-9

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapters 4-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-16

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapters 10-16 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 17-20

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapters 17-20 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Picture of Dorian Gray Character Analysis

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Themes

The Picture of Dorian Gray Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Picture of Dorian Gray Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Picture of Dorian Gray Important Quotes

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The Picture of Dorian Gray Vocabulary

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Essay Topics

The Picture of Dorian Gray Essay Topics

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The Picture of Dorian Gray Quiz

The Picture of Dorian Gray

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