An intriguing account on narcissism, irresponsibility, and lack of conscience from the life of Dorian Gray. How selfish of mankind to forbid others from touching our souls. But if we sin, do we thereby atone for it or blame the influence of others? And if we could see not ourselves reflecting back at us but our soul, will it mortify and leave us wounded?
The Picture of Dorian Gray, set in late 19th-century London, follows the life of Dorian Gray, a young, handsome, and wealthy man. The story begins with Dorian's introduction to Basil Hallward, a talented artist who becomes captivated by Dorian's striking beauty; thereby, painting a portrait of him. Basil is deeply inspired by Dorian's appearance, which he believes brings out the best in his artistic abilities. Following this, Basil hesitantly introduces Dorian to his witty but selfish friend, Lord Henry, fearing his corrupting influence.
Lord Henry quickly begins to captivate Dorian with his ideas on youth, beauty, and the fleeting nature of both. Under Lord Henry's spell, Dorian makes a reckless wish: that he might remain eternally young and beautiful, while his portrait bears the burden of age and the marks of his sins. This wish is mysteriously granted…
As time passes, Dorian further indulges in a life of moral decay. He becomes fascinated with Sibyl Vane, a beautiful young actress, who falls deeply in love with him, referring to Dorian as her "Prince Charming." Despite her brother James Vane’s warnings, Sibyl remains infatuated with Dorian. However, when Dorain sees her perform poorly on stage one night, he cruelly ends their engagement.
Returning home, Dorian notices a subtle yet disturbing change in his portrait—its expression had turned into a sneer. Realizing that his wish had come true, he is both horrified and intrigued that he can live his life without consequences. He decides to resolve issues with Sibyl, but before he can act, he learns the next day that she had taken her own life. Lord Henry, ever the manipulator, persuades Dorian to view her death as an artistic tragedy, a beautiful end to a fleeting life. "The girl never really lived, and so she has never really died," Lord Henry tells him. "It is only the shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion."
After receiving a book from Lord Henry that chronicles a Frenchman's immoral exploits, Dorian becomes increasingly corrupt, living a careless and sinful life. Over nearly two decades, his reputation declines, but his unchanging beauty shields him from severe judgment. When Basil hears unsettling rumors about Dorian, he confronts him at his home. Basil insists on seeing the portrait, and upon viewing its horrid transformation, urges Dorian to repent. Agitated and prideful, Dorian kills Basil and disposes of the body with the help of a blackmailed doctor.
Dorian's crimes continue, and eventually, James Vane seeks revenge for his sister's death. However, James is accidentally killed by a hunting party, leaving Dorian feeling secure but unchanged. Ultimately, consumed by guilt and horror at what he has become, Dorian stabs the portrait. When his servants enter the room, they find the painting restored to its original beauty, while Dorian lies dead on the floor, aged and disfigured, with a knife in his heart.
Favorite Quotations: Bonus Part!
Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault. Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are cultivated. For these there is hope.
But the world might guess it; and I will not bare my soul to their shallow prying eyes. My heart shall never be put under their microscope.
I have given away my whole soul to someone who treats it as if it were a flower to put in his coat, a bit of decoration to charm his vanity, an ornament for a summer’s day.
But music was not articulate. It was not a new world, but rather another chaos, that it created in us.
Was there anything so real as words?
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