The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Irish writer, Oscar Wilde published the book ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ in an early form in Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in 1890. The presented books had six additional at the time of its release in 1891. The book is a philosophical work of moral sensuality. The author narrates an archetypal tale of a young man who sold his soul in exchange for his eternal youth. Written in a distinctively dazzling manner, the book is a romantic exposition of Aestheticism of Wilde.

The Summary of the Book ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’

The plot of the story starts from the art studio of Basil Hallward who was a deeply moral artist and wanted to paint Dorian Gray, a very young and beautiful man. In the studio, where Dorian sat for making his portrait, at the same time a friend of Basil Lord Henry visited the studio. Henry thought that the portrait of the extraordinarily beautiful young man (Dorian) should be displayed. But Dorian was fascinated with Henry’s belief in living life to the fullest by acting on their own impulses. When Henry pointed out that beauty and youth are fleeting, Dorian decided to exchange his soul with the painting. When Dorian saw that his painting was getting all the scars as a result of his sins but he remained young, he throws its portrait for ageing in the attic. He then engaged himself in scandals and sinful pleasures. He had gone from good to evil, but was he happy? Could he be able to get his soul back? The book ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ has all the answers to all these questions. So, get your hands on the book to finish your quest about Dorian Gray.

About the Author

Oscar Wilde was an Irish novelist whose only work was the novel ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’. Before writing his novel, he had written several popular plays in different forms in 1880s. In his college days, he became associated with the emerging philosophy of aestheticism that was led by his two tutors. Apart from this novel, Wilde is best remembered for his plays and epigrams. He was also indulged in the criminal conviction for gross indecency for consensual homosexual acts and imprisonment. He died at the age of 46 from meningitis.