Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray: A Deep Dive

Summary of *The Picture of Dorian Gray*

Dorian Gray, a young Englishman, is posing for a portrait painted by Basil Hallward. When Basil finishes the picture, Dorian and his friend, Lord Henry Wotton, comment on the fleeting nature of beauty and youth. Dorian declares that he would give his soul in exchange for eternal youth.

Dorian soon meets Sybil Vane, a young actress, and they fall deeply in love. However, Dorian abruptly decides to leave Sybil, and she tragically commits suicide.

After this devastating event, Dorian notices a subtle change in the portrait's expression. He realizes that the painting will age and bear the marks of his sins, while he remains eternally young. He hides the portrait in a secluded room.

Years pass, and Dorian encounters Basil on the street. They return to Dorian's home, where Basil insists on seeing the picture. Dorian, resistant at first, eventually relents. In a fit of rage, Dorian murders Basil, blaming him for the curse of the portrait.

To dispose of the body, Dorian calls upon Alan Campbell, a scientist. Campbell successfully eliminates the corpse, but later commits suicide, unable to bear the guilt of his actions.

Years later, Dorian resolves to destroy the portrait, believing it to be the source of his corrupted life. However, in doing so, he inadvertently kills himself, as his soul was bound to the picture.

Questions and Answers about *The Picture of Dorian Gray*

• Was Sybil Vane's family poor? - True
• Did James Vane worry about his sister and Dorian? - True
• Did Henry think Sybil was a bad actress? - True
• Why does Dorian kill Basil? - Because he believes Basil's portrait has ruined his life.
• Why does Dorian want to destroy the portrait? - Because he believes it is the cause of his misfortune.
• What happens when Dorian tries to destroy the portrait? - He kills himself.

Analysis of *The Picture of Dorian Gray*

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a captivating and thought-provoking novel. It delves into the dark secrets of humanity and the darker side of human nature. It explores what we are capable of doing to conceal a secret, and the complexities of human psychology. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of being careful what you wish for.

The characters are psychologically well-developed, although Basil's character might be perceived as somewhat underdeveloped. Dorian Gray is a particularly compelling character, embodying the internal conflict between beauty, morality, and the consequences of one's choices.

This book is easy to read and highly engaging, offering a fascinating exploration of human nature and the pursuit of eternal youth.