The Picture of Dorian Gray

The action unfolds across elegant London society and the intimate interiors where the fateful portrait is kept. Settings include an old schoolroom that houses the painting and a secluded country estate where Dorian's hedonistic life unfolds away from the crowds. Taverns, drawing rooms, and corridors of power mark the social rituals that drive the plot.

🪞 Vanity

Dorian Gray's obsession with youth and beauty drives his actions; the portrait serves as a mirror for his corrupted soul. He wishes to escape aging while remaining unchanged, highlighting a dangerous split between appearance and morality. The tale asks whether outer beauty can shield inner rot, or merely reveal it.

💀 Corruption

Dorian's pursuit of pleasure leads to moral decay that cannot be hidden. The murder of Basil Hallward and the subsequent cover-ups show how violence and deceit escalate when consequences are deferred. The painting becomes a ledger of each transgression, worsening with every indulgence.

🎭 Influence

Lord Henry Wotton's aphorisms steer Dorian toward a cynical, image-obsessed life. The social circle reinforces his growing detachment from empathy, turning appearances into currency. The story examines how ideas and peer pressure shape identity and fate.