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The Picture of Dorian Gray


Synopsis


HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.'How sad it is! I shall grow old, and horrid, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young... If it was only the other way!'Wilde's first and only published novel recounts the story of handsome Dorian Gray who upon having his portrait painted desires that it will age and grow ugly while he may remain eternally beautiful. The painting, which reflects each of Gray's sins and transgressions in its hideousness, haunts him until it finally becomes unbearable. In this dark tale of duplicity and mortality, Wilde creates a world where art and reality collide.

Oscar Wilde

Summary

Chapter 1

* Introduces the characters and setting: Lord Henry Wotton, Basil Hallward, and Dorian Gray.
* Lord Henry espouses his philosophy of hedonism and self-indulgence.
* Dorian Gray is painted by Basil, who becomes infatuated with his beauty.

Example: Lord Henry states, "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."

Chapter 2

* Lord Henry influences Dorian to embrace his beauty and chase pleasure.
* Dorian wishes that the portrait would age and bear the burden of his sins instead of himself.
* His wish is granted, and the portrait begins to show Dorian's moral decay while he remains eternally youthful and handsome.

Example: Dorian says, "Would it be horrible, Sibyl, if I asked you to let me kiss your lips?"

Chapter 3

* Dorian becomes increasingly corrupt and hedonistic.
* He ends the engagement of Sibyl Vane, a young actress, which leads to her suicide.
* The portrait becomes more grotesque and disfigured, reflecting Dorian's inner turmoil.

Example: Basil witnesses Dorian's transformation and says, "You are changed, and the change is evil."

Chapter 4

* Dorian seeks refuge in a series of escapades, including drugs, gambling, and debauchery.
* He is followed by James Vane, Sibyl's brother, who seeks revenge for his sister's death.
* Dorian murders James and hides his body.

Example: Dorian thinks, "I am too rich to be honest."

Chapter 5

* Dorian's sins catch up with him, and he becomes increasingly isolated and haunted by his past.
* Basil confronts Dorian about his newfound evil and the portrait.
* Dorian kills Basil in a fit of rage and disposes of his body.

Example: Dorian realizes that "the portrait had changed. It was Basil Hallward that was painted on it."

Chapter 6

* Dorian seeks to escape his past by moving to the countryside.
* He is found by the police, who suspect him of murder.
* He unlocks the hidden attic room where he has kept the portrait.

Example: Dorian cries out, "Kill me!"

Chapter 7

* Dorian confronts the portrait and stabs it, hoping to end his torment.
* However, the portrait heals itself, and Dorian's body ages and withers instantly, while the portrait returns to its original beauty.
* The servants find only the portrait of a young man, with the withered remains of Dorian Gray at its feet.

Example: The servants say, "Here was a dead man, wrinkled and old, with a cruel-looking face, surrounded by shreds of rich embroidery."