The Picture of Dorian Gray

“The Picture of Dorian Gray” is a novel written by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. It is set in Victorian era London, England, and the story follows the life of Dorian Gray, a young man blessed with extraordinary beauty. When his friend, Basil Hallward, paints a portrait of him, Dorian becomes obsessed with Lord Henry’s new hedonistic and amoral beliefs. Dorian wishes that the portrait would age instead of him, while he remains young and beautiful forever, not knowing that his wish would come true and unleash a series of tragic events that would spiral him into guilt, paranoia, suffering and despair.