The Picture of Dorian Gray: Plot and Characters

Oscar Wilde's only novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," is a masterpiece of Gothic fiction set in late 19th-century London. The story revolves around the titular character, Dorian Gray, and explores themes of beauty, corruption, and the pursuit of pleasure.

Definition: Gothic fiction - A genre of literature that combines elements of horror, romance, and mystery, often featuring supernatural or psychological themes.

Plot Summary:

1. Dorian Gray, a young and exceptionally handsome man, becomes the subject of a portrait by the artist Basil Hallward.
2. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian embraces a hedonistic lifestyle.
3. Dorian wishes for eternal youth, with the portrait aging instead of him.
4. As Dorian indulges in immoral acts, the portrait reflects the corruption of his soul.
5. Dorian's actions lead to tragedy, including the death of Basil Hallward.
6. In an attempt to destroy the portrait, Dorian inadvertently kills himself.
7. Upon Dorian's death, the portrait reverts to its original beauty, while Dorian's corpse becomes withered and grotesque.

Example: The changing portrait serves as a metaphor for the state of Dorian's soul, visually representing the consequences of his immoral actions.

Key Characters:

1. Dorian Gray:

   • Protagonist of the novel
   • Embodies the ideals of youth, beauty, and innocence
   • Gains immortality through the portrait
   • His surname "Gray" suggests moral ambiguity

2. Lord Henry Wotton:

   • Upper-class gentleman with a penchant for witty conversation
   • Amoral and hedonistic, valuing youth above all else
   • Exerts a powerful influence on Dorian

3. Basil Hallward:

   • Talented painter captivated by Dorian's beauty
   • Creates the portrait central to the story
   • Harbors a deep, possibly romantic, obsession with Dorian
   • Ultimately killed by Dorian to protect the secret of the portrait

Highlight: The character of Dorian Gray represents the conflict between external beauty and internal corruption, a central theme in Wilde's work.