"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a novel that tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who becomes obsessed with the idea of eternal youth and beauty. The novel begins with Dorian, a handsome and innocent young man, sitting for a portrait painted by
the talented artist Basil Hallward. While admiring his own beauty in
the portrait, Dorian expresses a wish that he could remain young and untouched by the passage of time, while the painting would age
instead. As Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism and debauchery, he realizes that his wish has come true—the portrait ages and shows the effects of his sinful lifestyle, while he remains youthful and untouched. Dorian becomes increasingly corrupted by his own desires and immoral actions, all the while his portrait becomes more grotesque and hideous. Throughout the novel, Dorian's actions become increasingly immoral and he manipulates those around him, leading to tragedy and destruction for those who come into contact with him. Eventually, Dorian can no longer bear the guilt and horror of his actions and
decides to destroy the portrait, which in turn leads to his own demise. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" explores themes of morality, the pursuit of pleasure, the consequences of unchecked desires, and the nature of art. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity, immorality, and the pursuit of eternal youth and beauty.