Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a novel that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, a work of art that is both intriguing and thought-provoking, weaving a tale of beauty, youth, and corruption. The novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and hedonism, warning us of the consequences of our actions and the importance of moral responsibility. It is a work of art that transcends time and continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and beautiful prose.

The book follows the life of Dorian Gray, a young man who is blessed with extraordinary beauty and youth. The novel begins with Dorian sitting for a portrait painted by his friend Basil Hallward, a talented artist who is enamored with Dorian's beauty. Basil's friend, Lord Henry Wotton, is a charming and witty aristocrat who is impressed by Dorian's looks and takes him under his wing.

As they spend more time together, Lord Henry's hedonistic philosophy begins to influence Dorian, who becomes obsessed with his own beauty and youth. He makes a wish that the portrait would age instead of him and becomes increasingly corrupt, indulging in all sorts of immoral activities without any guilt.

The novel is divided into three parts, each depicting a different stage of Dorian's life. In the first part, we see Dorian's descent into corruption and his growing obsession with his own beauty. He becomes cruel and callous, breaking hearts and ruining lives without any remorse. As Dorian's life spirals out of control, the portrait becomes more and more grotesque, reflecting the ugliness of Dorian's soul.

In the second part, Dorian falls in love with an actress named Sibyl Vane, whose performances he had admired. However, when Sibyl's acting fails to live up to his expectations, he cruelly rejects her, causing her to commit suicide. This marks a turning point in the novel, as Dorian realizes the true nature of his sins and the consequences they have on others. He becomes more and more paranoid, fearing that the portrait will reveal his true self to the world.

In the final part, Dorian tries to redeem himself by confessing his sins to Lord Henry and destroying the portrait. However, in a shocking twist, he stabs the portrait, causing his own death. The portrait reverts to its original state, beautiful and unblemished, while Dorian's body is found old and withered, reflecting the true ugliness of his soul.

Throughout the novel, Oscar Wilde explores the themes of beauty, youth, and corruption, and the consequences of indulging in hedonistic pursuits. He shows us the dangers of becoming too obsessed with our own beauty and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. Wilde also explores issues of morality and the price we pay for our sins, showing us the true nature of our souls and the consequences of our choices.

In conclusion, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and beautiful prose. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and hedonism, warning us of the consequences of our actions and the importance of moral responsibility. It is a work of art that transcends time and continues to inspire and enlighten readers around the world.