The Picture of Dorian Gray

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a provocative tale of hedonism and the peril of vanity. The novel follows Dorian Gray, a stunningly handsome young man in Victorian England who becomes the subject of a portrait by artist Basil Hallward. Captivated by Dorian's beauty, Basil creates a portrait that captures the essence of Dorian's youth and splendor. Influenced by the cynical Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian wishes that he could always stay as young and beautiful as he is in the portrait, and that instead, the picture would age and bear the marks of his sins and indulgences.

As Dorian indulges in a libertine lifestyle, his wish eerily comes true: he remains youthful and flawless, while the portrait ages, reflecting his increasing moral decay. The novel explores themes of aestheticism, moral duplicity, and the interplay between art and life, questioning the consequences of living a life devoted solely to the pursuit of pleasure, unencumbered by conscience. Wilde's rich, ornate prose and sharp wit weave a story that is as compelling as it is philosophical, making "The Picture of Dorian Gray" a timeless exploration of beauty, morality, and the human soul.

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Release date

Audiobook: 7 March 2025