The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a philosophical fiction and Gothic horror novel first published in 1890. The story centers on Dorian Gray, a strikingly handsome young man who, upon seeing his newly painted portrait, expresses a wish that the painting would bear the burden of age and sin while he himself remains eternally youthful. His wish is terrifyingly granted. As Dorian embarks on a life of unchecked pleasure and moral corruption, indulging in hedonism and committing increasingly heinous acts, his physical appearance remains unblemished. However, his portrait, hidden away, grotesquely transforms to reflect every one of his sins and the decay of his soul. Wilde masterfully explores profound themes including the nature of beauty, the corrupting influence of vanity, the complexities of morality, and the dangerous consequences of a life devoted solely to pleasure, making it a timeless examination of the human condition.

Reading ease score: 84.0 (6th grade). Easy to read.