Picture of Dorian Gray
(Book)

Contains the complete text as first published in 1891. Preface by the author.

Artist Basil Hallward is greatly impressed by Dorian Gray's physical beauty when he paints his portrait. Basil becomes strongly infatuated with Dorian, believing that his beauty is responsible for a new mode in Basil's art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new kind of hedonism, Lord Henry suggests that the only thing worth pursuing in life is beauty, and the fulfilment of the senses. Dorian realizes that one day his beauty will fade, so he cries out a wish that his portrait could age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled. As Dorian subsequently plunges into a series of debauched acts,the portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul. Each sin is displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or a sign of aging.