The Picture Of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” was published simultaneously in Philadelphia’s Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine and by Ward, Lock & Co. in England, in July, 1890. In England, the novella was condemned by many reviewers as shocking and immoral. “Wilde” tried to address some of these criticisms as he worked on an expanded version of the story, which was published as a full-length novel in 1891, along with a preface in which “Wilde” stated his artistic credo.

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” delves into human nature while presenting a thought provoking conflict within the protagonist. The novel explores how absolute hedonism can lead to one’s own downfall. In a society that prized beauty above all else, “Dorian” was influenced to make a wish which resulted in his curse. Upon realizing that his youthful appearance would remain unchanged, he abandoned his moral constraints without hesitation which ultimately led to his demise.

The novel introduces “Dorian” who cursed a portrait of himself, for it would remain unaltered by time, and he would be reminded of the beauty he once possessed. Little did he know, the painting would visibly bear his sins, meanwhile he would never appear to age. After years of living only for the pursuit of self pleasure and indulgence, “Dorian” became disgusted by all the immoral acts he committed. He resolved to destroy the only evidence of his sins, but he ended up destroying himself, as the portrait contained his very essence.

As a variation on the “Faust” legend, with echoes of the fall of man and the “Adonis” myth, and as an examination of the relationship between art and life, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” keeps fascinating its readers throughout times.