Summary

The Picture of Dorian Gray was published in 1890 and then revised in 1891 by Oscar Wilde. This gripping novel tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray and his journey through art. Dorian obsessed with beauty and youth asks his friend Basil to create a portrait of him to capture his good looks. In an attempt to escape the fate that he will one day grow old and withered him sells his soul so that way the picture will age with each sin and time but physically he will stay the same. As Gray commits more and more sins the picture begins to wither and show just how truly ugly Dorian can be on the inside in comparison to his outer appearance.

 

A major theme in the book was the theme of beauty. Dorian is obsessed with beauty whether it be physical beauty or through art. The theme of beauty is so strong that its influence can be seen in other themes of the book as well. The following tabs will help you explore how the theme or idea/concept of beauty is carried out in other aspects of the novel such as art, morality, and time.