Intentions
Oscar Wilde
Intentions
Four essays and dialogues in which Oscar Wilde argues that criticism is creative, art need not copy life, and a work should not be reduced to a moral lesson.
Read our takeThe Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde
The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde's only novel: a beautiful young man stays unchanged while his hidden portrait records age, cruelty, and guilt.
- 1891
- Atmospheric
- lyrical
- funny
- voice-driven
About Oscar Wilde
The story, briefly
Spoiler-freeThe Picture of Dorian Gray follows Dorian Gray, a wealthy young Londoner whose portrait ages and decays while his face remains young. Influenced by Lord Henry Wotton's praise of beauty and sensation, Dorian treats other people as material for experience while hiding the evidence in a locked room. The novel asks what happens when appearance is separated from responsibility.
The story, in more detail
The story first appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in July 1890. After hostile reviews, Wilde revised and expanded it for the 1891 book, adding chapters, characters, and the famous preface about art.
The two versions matter. The magazine text is shorter and more direct about desire between men; the 1891 book softens some passages while making Dorian's social and psychological decline longer.
The story
Painter Basil Hallward makes a portrait of Dorian Gray. Dorian wishes the image could grow old in his place, and the wish appears to come true after he cruelly rejects the actor Sibyl Vane.
Dorian keeps his youthful appearance while the portrait records each act he hides. Lord Henry supplies brilliant theories, but Dorian chooses what to do with them and others bear the cost.
Why we recommend it
Why it matters
It is Wilde's fullest treatment of beauty, influence, secrecy, art, and moral responsibility.
Where it fits
Read the Importance of Being Earnest next to see the same skill with language used for comedy instead of Gothic fiction.
What this book explores
Timeline
1891
The story appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. This page uses the revised and expanded 1891 book as its edition of record.
Modern editions
Editors continue to publish the work alone and in collections; introductions and notes explain the relevant performance or textual history.
Book editions
Hardcover
- Hardcover
- Ward, Lock and Company
- 1891
Reader reviews
Readers may also like
The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde
The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde's best-known comedy: two men invent useful false identities, two women insist on marrying someone named Ernest, and a handbag resolves the plot.
Read our takeThe Picture of Dorian Gray: frequently asked questions
What is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde about?
The Picture of Dorian Gray follows Dorian Gray, a wealthy young Londoner whose portrait ages and decays while his face remains young. Influenced by Lord Henry Wotton's praise of beauty and sensation, Dorian treats other people as material for experience while hiding the evidence in a locked room. The novel asks what happens when appearance is separated from responsibility.
When was The Picture of Dorian Gray published?
The story appeared in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890. This page uses the revised and expanded 1891 book as its edition of record.
Should I read The Picture of Dorian Gray first?
Yes. The Picture of Dorian Gray is one of the clearest places to start with Oscar Wilde.