The Picture of Dorian Gray

Name: The Picture of Dorian Gray
Author: Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1890. The story follows the life of Dorian Gray, a handsome and wealthy young man who is given a portrait of himself as a gift. The painting captures his beauty and innocence, and Dorian makes a wish that the portrait will age instead of him. As Dorian indulges in a life of pleasure and debauchery, his portrait slowly begins to reflect the corruption of his soul. He is horrified by the changes in the painting, but is unable to stop himself from continuing his immoral lifestyle. Eventually, his actions catch up with him and he is forced to confront the consequences of his choices. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic exploration of the power of beauty and the consequences of vanity. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living a life of excess and the importance of morality.

By Oscar Wilde · First published 1890 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Philosophical Fiction · 21 chapters · 80,327 words

First lines

The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art's aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things.

The highest as the lowest form of criticism is a mode of autobiography. Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault.

What this Textopian page supports

The Picture of Dorian Gray is listed on Textopian as a novel by Oscar Wilde, dated 1890 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Oscar Wilde
Date: 1890 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Romance, Philosophical Fiction, Satire, Mystery
Length: 80,327 words
Structure: 21 chapters, 2,492 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic example of Gothic fiction, with its themes of moral corruption, supernatural elements, and dark atmosphere.
Romance — The Picture of Dorian Gray contains a romantic subplot between Dorian and Sibyl Vane, which is a major part of the novel's plot.
Philosophical Fiction — The Picture of Dorian Gray is a philosophical novel, exploring themes of morality, beauty, and the consequences of hedonism.
Satire — The Picture of Dorian Gray is a satirical novel, with its characters and plot used to satirize the Victorian era and its values.