The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde | Summary and Critique

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"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a novel by Oscar Wilde, published in 1890. The story centers around the handsome and narcissistic Dorian Gray, who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for eternal youth and beauty. The novel explores the corrupting influence of art, beauty, and pleasure, and the consequences of unchecked hedonism and moral decay.

The novel is famous for its witty dialogue, its philosophical musings, and its exploration of the relationship between art and life. The character of Dorian Gray is a symbol of the decadent and hedonistic culture of the late Victorian era, which valued superficiality, excess, and aestheticism over morality and spirituality.

Through the use of a supernatural painting that reflects the true soul of its subject, Wilde shows how beauty and art can be used as a mask for inner corruption and depravity. The novel also explores the nature of love, friendship, and loyalty, and how they can be distorted by selfishness and cruelty.

""The Picture of Dorian Gray"" has been praised for its literary style, its clever satire, and its exploration of complex themes. However, it was also considered scandalous and immoral at the time of its publication, and Wilde was accused of promoting immorality and decadence. Nevertheless, the novel remains a landmark of Victorian literature and a classic of English literature.

Overall, ""The Picture of Dorian Gray"" is a thought-provoking and challenging novel that exposes the dark side of human nature and the dangers of unchecked hedonism and moral decay. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the aesthetic movement, the Victorian era, or the nature of art and beauty.