The picture of Dorian Grey
A summary of the book “The picture of Dorian Grey” by Oscar Wilde
“The only difference between a caprice and a lifelong passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer.”
-Lord Henry Wotton
The picture of Dorian Grey
Introduction: The Portrait’s Secret
The novel begins with a portrait of a young, very attractive man named Dorian Gray being painted by the gifted artist Basil Hallward in the splendor of late Victorian London. Not only is Dorian physically attractive, but he also seems to be innocent and pure in heart, which draws Basil in. Dorian, on his part, is brought to tears by Basil’s appreciation and befriends him. Beneath the surface, though, is the mysterious influence of Lord Henry Wotton, a lovely but misanthropic aristocrat who champions an aestheticistic and hedonistic worldview.
- Basil Hallward, an artist known for his meticulous attention to detail, is captivated by Dorian’s youthful appearance and seeks to capture his essence on canvas.
- Dorian Gray, a young man of exceptional beauty and charm, is drawn to Basil’s artistic talent and the admiration he receives from others.
The Temptation of Hedonism
Dorian becomes increasingly drawn to Lord Henry’s intoxicating worldview, which celebrates pleasure, beauty, and the pursuit of one’s desires above all else. Lord Henry’s words ignite a desire within Dorian to embrace a life of uninhibited indulgence, free from the constraints of societal norms and moral judgments. Seduced by the promise of eternal youth and beauty, Dorian begins to view his own portrait as a symbol of his fleeting youth and mortality, leading him to make a fateful wish that will change the course of his life forever.
- Lord Henry Wotton, a charming and influential figure in Dorian’s social circle, introduces him to the hedonistic pleasures of life and encourages him to pursue his desires without remorse.
- Dorian’s fascination with his own portrait grows as he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of aging.
“The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.”
-Lord Henry Wotton
The Faustian Bargain
In a moment of vanity and reckless abandon, Dorian expresses a wish that his portrait would age and bear the burdens of his sins, allowing him to remain forever young and unblemished. To his astonishment, his wish is mysteriously granted, and the portrait begins to undergo a sinister transformation, capturing the effects of Dorian’s moral decay while he himself remains untouched by the passage of time. Initially delighted by his newfound immortality, Dorian soon discovers the horrifying truth behind his wish as he witnesses the portrait’s gradual descent into depravity and corruption.
- Dorian’s wish for eternal youth and beauty is fueled by his fear of aging and death, as well as his desire to escape the consequences of his actions.
- The supernatural elements of the novel add an air of mystery and suspense as Dorian’s wish is granted and the portrait’s transformation unfolds.
“The only things worth having are those we can possess absolutely.”
-Dorian Gray
The Hidden Sin
Dorian hides the portrait away in the attic of his opulent mansion, guarding it as a dark secret that reflects the true state of his soul. Despite his outward appearance of youth and beauty, Dorian finds himself increasingly haunted by the portrait’s twisted visage, which serves as a chilling reminder of the consequences of his actions. As he indulges in a life of debauchery and excess, Dorian becomes increasingly disconnected from the moral implications of his behavior, rationalizing his actions and blaming others for his own sins.
- The attic becomes a symbol of Dorian’s inner turmoil and moral decay, serving as a sanctuary for his darkest secrets and desires.
- Dorian’s attempts to hide the portrait from prying eyes reflect his desire to maintain the facade of innocence and beauty that he presents to the world.
Consequences and Reflections
Haunted by feelings of guilt and remorse, Dorian begins to experience moments of self-reflection and introspection, questioning the emptiness of his hedonistic lifestyle and the true nature of his soul. However, his attempts at redemption are thwarted by his own vanity and selfishness, as well as the insidious influence of Lord Henry, who encourages him to embrace his darkest desires without remorse. As Dorian’s relationships unravel and his conscience weighs heavy upon him, he becomes increasingly desperate to escape the consequences of his actions and reclaim his lost innocence. Dorian’s inner conflict intensifies as he grapples with the moral implications of his actions and struggles to reconcile his desire for redemption with his insatiable appetite for pleasure. The influence of Lord Henry serves as a constant reminder of Dorian’s descent into moral depravity, as he becomes increasingly detached from the consequences of his actions.
The Portrait’s Revenge
The portrait, meanwhile, serves as a chilling reflection of Dorian’s inner corruption, growing ever more grotesque and monstrous with each passing day. Its twisted visage becomes a symbol of Dorian’s moral decay, haunting him with its silent accusation and driving him to the brink of madness. In a moment of profound reckoning, Dorian confronts the portrait and the darkness within himself, realizing too late the folly of his selfish desires and the price of his own vanity. As he confronts the consequences of his actions, Dorian is consumed by his own guilt and despair, sealing his fate in a tragic and unforgettable climax. The portrait’s transformation mirrors Dorian’s own moral decay, serving as a visual representation of the consequences of his actions. Dorian’s final confrontation with the portrait represents a moment of reckoning and self-awareness, as he confronts the true extent of his own corruption and the price of his vanity.
Conclusion: The Price of Immortality
“The Picture of Dorian Grey” concludes with Dorian’s demise, as he meets a violent end at the hands of his own vices and the supernatural forces unleashed by his Faustian bargain. The portrait, now a grotesque and macabre representation of Dorian’s lost soul, serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked vanity and moral corruption. Oscar Wilde’s masterful exploration of beauty, morality, and the human condition leaves readers with a haunting meditation on the nature of sin, redemption, and the eternal quest for immortality.
“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
-Lord Henry Wotton
