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The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel written by Irish writer Oscar Wilde. It was published in an early form in a magazine in 1890. It was then released as a book in 1891.
The work is an archetypal story of a young man who purchases eternal youth at the expense of his soul.
The story begins in the art studio of Basil Hallward, who is discussing a painting of Dorian Gray with his clever, funny but still amoral friend Lord Henry Wotton.
Dorian Gray, the subject of the painting, arrives, and he is fascinated as Henry explains that beauty and youth are temporary and that he believes one should live life to the fullest by indulging one’s impulses.
Dorian declares that he would give his soul if the portrait were to grow old and wrinkled while he remained young and handsome.
Basil gives the painting to Dorian, who spends the next 18 years in pursuit of capricious excess and is increasingly drawn to evil. He frequently visits the portrait, noting the signs of aging and of corruption that appear, whereas he himself remains young and perfect. However, this very eerie situation doesn’t frighten him at all.
Basil has realised the gravity of the situation and he tells Dorian that if this reflects him, he must repent and pray for forgiveness. It enrages Dorian who murders Basil.
Who has Dorian sold his soul to?
