61 pages • 2 hours read
Oscar WildeThe Picture of Dorian Gray
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1890A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Picture of Dorian Gray chronicles the life of Dorian Gray, a 19th-century British aristocrat whose portrait, painted by Basil Hallward, becomes enchanted to bear the marks of his aging and moral corruption while Dorian himself remains young and beautiful. Influenced by the hedonistic lord, Henry Wotton, Dorian embarks on a life of selfish indulgence, leading to tragedy and scandal for those around him, ultimately resulting in his own demise. The book contains incidences of suicide, destructive behaviors, substance abuse, and explicit violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde has been praised for its captivating prose, vivid imagery, and deep exploration of aestheticism and moral decay. Critics admire Wilde's wit and the novel's philosophical depth, though some find its characters underdeveloped and its moralistic tone heavy-handed. Overall, it stands as a thought-provoking and richly crafted work.
Who Should Read The Picture of Dorian Gray?
A reader who relishes rich prose, philosophical musings on morality, and gothic aesthetic would enjoy The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Bram Stoker's Dracula will appreciate its exploration of human nature and dark themes. Suitable for those captivated by art, decadence, and ethical dilemmas.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
500LBook Details
Classic Fiction
British Literature
Irish Literature
Values/Ideas: Beauty
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil
Values/Ideas: Art
Victorian Period
Arts / Culture
History: World
LGBTQ