“The Picture of Dorian Gray” – Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s only novel is called “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” I have read it roughly five times, and it is byfar my favorite book.

It is difficult to say what this book is about. I would say it’s about youth, beauty, morality and art. The premise itself is brilliant: an upscale metropolitan man has his portrait painted when he is a “flowering bud of youth” (Oscar Wilde was openly gay)… but at some point in the novel, Dorian wishes that HE could stay young, and the portrait grow old, instead of having to watch his portrait remain untouched by the decay of time. He wishes it aloud, proclaiming that he would “trade his soul” for such an opportunity.

And so the novel goes on, recounting Dorians life of heinous sin and unabashed supremecy… and all the while his youth and his looks never leave him. The portrait on the other hand, gradual decays into a portrait of an aged evil-looking man. Dorian spirals downward into a meaningless life of drug-abuse, sexual deviance and murder, all the while holding on to the attractive glow of an optimistic young aristocrat. An absolutely fascinating read, and an ending that will surprise. I highly recommend to any who enjoy classic novels.

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