The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
CHARACTERS 3
THEMES IN THE NOVEL 3
BEAUTY AND YOUTH 3
THE CONSEQUENCES OF A NEGATIVE INFLUENCE 3
ART AND LIFE 3
APPEARANCE VS REALITY 4
OUTER BEAUTY/INNER DEPRAVITY 4
ART AS A MIRROR 4
PREJUDICE 5
HEDONISM 5
AESTHETICISM 5
ADDICTION 5
SYMBOLS IN THE NOVEL 6
THE PORTRAIT 6
THE YELLOW BOOK 6
FLOWERS 6
RED AND WHITE 6
THE OPIUM DENS 6
FURNITURE AND FABRICS 6
THE WHITE ROSE 7
HOW THE SYMBOLS LINK TO THE NOVEL’S THEMES 7
PLOT 9
TIMELINE OF THE PLOT 10
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Characters
Dorian Gray: The MAIN character. Innocence to moral decay.
Lord Henry Wotton: The main influence of Dorian descent into a hedonistic lifestyle.
Basil Hallward: Painter of the portrait. Serves as a voice of reason to Dorian. Dies at
Dorian’s hand.
Sybil Vane: 16yr old actress who falls inlove with Dorian. Kills herself after Dorian
rejects her.
James Vane: Sybil’s brother who swears to protect her at all costs. Suspicious and
distrustful of Dorian. James Vane dies in a shooting accident during a hunting party at
Dorian's country estate.
Mrs Vane: Sees Dorian as Sybil’s perfect match. Blinded by Dorian’s wealth.
Themes in the novel
Beauty and Youth
Beauty and youth are portrayed as the ultimate goals in life. Lord Henry, who influences
Dorian from the very beginning, repeatedly declares that youth is a form of perfection
and something to be worshipped. Dorian himself becomes obsessed with the idea that
his physical appearance is the most important aspect of his existence. This obsession
leads him to make a deal with the devil—a Faustian bargain—to keep his youth and
beauty forever. As Dorian’s portrait ages and deteriorates in his place, his external
beauty stays flawless, symbolising his desire to escape the inevitable process of aging.
The consequences of a negative influence
Lord Henry Wotton is the personification of negative influence in the novel. He is
charming and persuasive, but his beliefs about life are shallow and hedonistic. Lord
Henry teaches Dorian that life should be lived solely for pleasure, with little regard for
morality, consequences, or others' feelings. His influence on Dorian is immediate and
profound, leading Dorian to abandon his innocence and embrace a life of excess,
indulgence, and destruction.
As Dorian's life spirals into chaos, the consequences of this influence become clear. He
harms others—like Sibyl Vane, Alan Campbell, and even himself—because he is
consumed by Lord Henry's philosophies. This theme demonstrates how powerful
negative influences can be, especially when someone is young and impressionable.
Art and life
The relationship between art and life is a key theme in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The
portrait itself is a work of art, but it becomes more than just a representation of Dorian’s
outward appearance. It serves as a mirror to his soul, capturing the corruption and
degradation that takes place inside him as he pursues a life of hedonism. The portrait's
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
transformation into a grotesque image contrast sharply with Dorian’s youthful,
unchanged face. This raises questions about the role of art in reflecting life: should art
merely reflect reality, or does it have the power to shape it?
Art also plays a role in Dorian’s own life, as he uses his beauty as a form of art in itself.
He views his existence as something to be carefully curated and controlled, almost like a
piece of art to be admired by others. This theme asks us to consider the blurred line
between art and life and how they influence each other.
Appearance VS Reality
One of the most prominent themes in the novel is the idea that appearances can be
deceiving. Dorian appears to be the perfect young man—handsome, charming, and
innocent. However, beneath this perfect exterior lies a soul corrupted by vanity,
selfishness, and moral decay. Throughout the novel, Dorian’s beauty masks the truth of
who he really is.
This theme extends beyond Dorian, though. Many of the characters in the novel wear
masks—whether it is Lord Henry’s charming but harmful persona or Basil’s idealised
view of Dorian as a pure, innocent artist. Wilde explores how people and society often
judge others based on outward appearances, while the reality of a person’s character or
actions can be much darker.
Outer beauty/Inner depravity
The contrast between Dorian’s external beauty and the corruption of his inner self is a
central theme. While Dorian remains physically youthful and attractive throughout the
novel, his portrait reveals the true extent of his moral decay. The portrait’s deterioration
is symbolic of the inner depravity that grows within him as he indulges in more and more
sinful behaviour.
This theme reflects the danger of placing too much value on outward beauty and
neglecting the importance of inner goodness and integrity. It raises important questions
about the relationship between external appearances and internal moral character.
Art as a mirror
The idea that art reflects the artist’s soul is another theme Wilde plays with. In the case
of Dorian’s portrait, it serves as a literal and figurative mirror. The portrait begins as a
beautiful representation of Dorian, but over time, it becomes a disturbing reflection of his
wickedness. As Dorian commits more immoral acts, the portrait becomes more
grotesque, showing the true state of his soul.
This theme suggests that art does not just imitate life, but can also expose truths about
human nature that are hidden beneath the surface. Wilde’s exploration of this idea
invites readers to question how art can serve as a mirror to society and to the
individual’s soul.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Prejudice
The novel reflects the prejudices of late 19th-century London society, particularly in its
treatment of women, the working class, and Jews. Lord Henry and Dorian, as privileged
members of society, look down on people who are not as wealthy or fashionable. For
instance, they scoff at the theatre where Sibyl Vane performs, because it caters to a
different social class and the people who attend are not as refined.
Women in the novel are often portrayed as decorative objects, with their roles being
limited to marriage and beauty. The Duchess of Harley, for example, is more concerned
with the fragility of her hat than with any intellectual or emotional concerns. This reflects
the way women were often objectified and excluded from meaningful social participation
during the time.
Hedonism
Hedonism is the philosophy that pleasure is the highest good, and it is a central tenet of
Lord Henry’s worldview. He encourages Dorian to live a life of indulgence, avoiding
anything that might cause pain or discomfort. Dorian adopts this philosophy fully, using
his youth and beauty to seek pleasure in any form he can—drinking, parties, and
romantic escapades.
The theme of hedonism serves as a critique of a life lived solely for pleasure. While it
may seem enticing at first, it ultimately leads to emptiness and destruction. Dorian’s
pursuit of pleasure at any cost is what causes his downfall, revealing the dangers of
placing immediate gratification above long-term happiness or moral integrity.
Aestheticism
Aestheticism, the idea that art and beauty are the highest pursuits and should be
appreciated for their own sake, is another major theme in the novel. Lord Henry is a
proponent of aestheticism, believing that the pursuit of beauty and pleasure should be
the main goal of life, with little regard for morality or ethics.
Dorian is drawn to this philosophy and treats his life like a work of art, focusing on the
cultivation of beauty and sensory experiences. However, Wilde’s portrayal of
aestheticism in the novel ultimately serves as a critique of this worldview. While beauty
and art are important, they cannot be pursued at the expense of everything else,
including morality and human connection.
Addiction
Dorian’s lifestyle gradually becomes an addiction, with each new indulgence feeding his
need for more pleasure and excess. He is addicted not just to substances or behaviours
but to the idea of perfection and youth. His addiction to beauty and self-gratification
leads him to disregard the consequences of his actions, and ultimately, he becomes
trapped in his own desires.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The theme of addiction shows how harmful it can be to chase after things that bring
temporary pleasure without regard for the long-term effects. Dorian’s addiction to beauty
and youth causes him to lose his humanity, leading to his eventual downfall.
Symbols in the novel
The portrait
In Wilde’s novel, Dorian’s portrait serves as the embodiment of his soul, reflecting the decay
caused by his sins, while he himself remains outwardly youthful. It symbolises the inescapable
truth that, despite appearances, one cannot avoid the consequences of their actions forever.
The yellow book
The yellow book, gifted by Lord Henry, represents the power of corrupting influence. It inspires
Dorian’s indulgent lifestyle, encouraging him to pursue pleasure above all else. This symbol
warns of the dangers of absorbing ideas uncritically and how they can shape, or even derail,
one’s destiny.
Flowers
Flowers in the novel symbolise fleeting beauty and the passage of time. Lord Henry compares
Dorian’s youth to a delicate flower destined to fade, reminding readers of the impermanence of
physical beauty and the importance of nurturing something more lasting.
Red and white
Red symbolises passion, danger, and sin, aligning with Dorian’s descent into moral corruption.
White represents purity and innocence but is used ironically, as it contrasts with Dorian’s
untainted appearance while his soul rots within.
The Opium dens
Picture a place people go to escape their troubles, be it a party or even an endless scroll
through social media. For Dorian, it is the opium dens. These shadowy places symbolise both
escape and self-destruction, reflecting his attempts to numb his guilt and avoid confronting his
moral decline.
Furniture and Fabrics
Imagine a grand room with exquisite furniture, meticulously arranged to impress, yet concealing
chaos behind the scenes.
Dorian’s opulent home mirrors his obsession with materialism, wealth, and beauty. These
furnishings symbolise the facade he maintains to mask his inner corruption, much like the way
social media filters might conceal imperfections.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The white rose
The white rose is a timeless symbol of purity and innocence.
In the novel, it serves as a striking contrast to Dorian’s external beauty, which belies the moral
decay hidden beneath. It reminds us of what Dorian has sacrificed—his innocence and virtue—
in his pursuit of superficial perfection.
How the symbols link to the novel’s themes
Symbol Themes
The Portrait • Beauty and Youth: Represents the cost of eternal youth and
beauty.
• Appearance versus Reality: Dorian's unblemished exterior
hides the decay of his soul.
• Art as a Mirror: Reflects Dorian’s true self and moral corruption.
• Outer Beauty and Inner Depravity: Contrasts the perfect
exterior with the grotesque inner decay.
The Yellow • The Consequences of Negative Influence: Demonstrates
Book Lord Henry’s corrupting impact on Dorian.
• Hedonism: Fuels Dorian's pursuit of pleasure at all costs.
• Addiction: Acts as an obsession that guides his moral downfall.
Flowers • Beauty and Youth: Symbolise fleeting beauty and the
impermanence of youth.
• Aestheticism: Emphasises the celebration of beauty and
natural allure.
• Hedonism: Reflects Dorian's fixation on transient beauty and
pleasure.
Red and White • Appearance versus Reality: White innocence contrasts with
inner corruption.
• Outer Beauty and Inner Depravity: Red passion and sin
highlight hidden darkness beneath the surface.
The Opium • Addiction: Represent Dorian’s attempt to escape guilt through
Dens destructive behaviour.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
• Hedonism: Depict Dorian's pursuit of pleasure in its most
destructive forms.
• Outer Beauty and Inner Depravity: His indulgence in vice
contrasts with his refined appearance.
Furniture and • Appearance versus Reality: Luxurious surroundings mask
Fabrics moral corruption.
• Aestheticism: Reflect Dorian’s obsession with beauty and
materialism.
• Art and Life: Blur the line between artificial perfection and
hidden decay.
The White • Beauty and Youth: Represents fleeting innocence and purity.
Rose
• Outer Beauty and Inner Depravity: Juxtaposes purity with
Dorian’s corrupted soul.
• Prejudice: Highlights societal ideals of superficial beauty over
deeper virtues.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Plot
Plot Element Details
Setting: Late 1800s London, amidst the opulence of the
wealthy elite.
Characters: Dorian Gray, Basil Hallward, Lord Henry
Wotton.
Exposition
The story opens in Basil's studio where these young,
affluent men indulge in idle conversation and art. Dorian,
innocent yet curious, is introduced to Lord Henry, who will
shape his fate.
Dorian's descent into a life of excess begins. Captivated by
Lord Henry's hedonistic ideals, he embarks on a relentless
pursuit of pleasure. Dorian's relationship with Sibyl Vane
deepens, but his selfish actions lead to her tragic demise,
Rising Action
igniting a violent storm of guilt and conflict within him. As he
witnesses horrifying changes in the portrait, his paranoia
intensifies, haunted by the ever-looming fear of his darkest
secrets being revealed.
The tension reaches its pinnacle when Dorian,
overwhelmed by guilt and rage, stabs the portrait, believing
Climax this act will free him from his moral decay. This moment
signifies the culmination of his internal and external
struggles, leading to devastating consequences.
The aftermath of the climax unfolds abruptly. Dorian
attempts to distance himself from his past, but the weight of
Falling Action his actions looms heavily. The narrative offers little
resolution, reflecting the chaos of Dorian's life spiralling out
of control.
The story concludes shockingly as Dorian lies dead,
unrecognisable, with the portrait restored to its former
Denouement/Resolution beauty. This ending encapsulates the irony of his pursuit of
eternal youth and pleasure, leaving the reader to ponder
the dire repercussions of his choices.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Timeline of the plot
Chapter Time Literal Plot
Basil Hallward paints a mesmerising portrait of Dorian Gray,
London, a hot day
1 while Lord Henry admires the youthful beauty captured on
in June or July
canvas.
Basil introduces Dorian to the enigmatic Lord Henry, who
2 Later that day reveals alluring and dangerous possibilities that captivate
Dorian’s imagination.
Lord Henry visits his uncle, Lord Fermor, seeking insight into
3 The next day Dorian's family background, hinting at dark secrets waiting to
be uncovered.
Dorian falls head over heels for Sibyl Vane, an enchanting
4 A month later actress, whose beauty pulls him deeper into a world of
romantic fantasy.
The following day Sibyl’s excitement about her romance with Dorian is
5 at the Vane overshadowed by her brother James Vane’s suspicions and
household threats against any man who harms her.
Basil and Lord Henry clash over Dorian's engagement; Basil
Later that same
6 is anxious about the relationship, while Lord Henry revels in
day
the excitement.
Dorian takes Basil and Lord Henry to see Sibyl perform. After
Later that same
7 a disastrous show, Dorian cruelly ends their engagement,
day
marking the first sinister change in his portrait.
Dorian receives a letter from Lord Henry but chooses not to
Chapter 8 The following day
open it, as news of Sibyl’s tragic suicide briefly shakes him.
Basil offers his condolences to Dorian, who shockingly
The following
9 downplays Sibyl’s death, leaving Basil horrified at Dorian’s
morning
chilling indifference.
Dorian hides the portrait in an attic room, trying to escape its
Later that same haunting influence. He spends the afternoon engrossed in
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day Lord Henry's yellow book, losing himself in its corrupting
ideas.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Dorian indulges in a life of sensual pleasures, amassing
A period of 18
11 jewels and luxuries while his portrait bears the weight of his
years
moral decline.
A night in Ugly rumours about Dorian swirl through society. Basil
12 November, 18 confronts him, sensing the darkness lurking beneath Dorian's
years later surface.
In a fit of rage and despair, Dorian murders Basil after
13 The same night revealing the horrifying portrait, sealing his fate with a bloody
act of violence.
Dorian blackmails Alan Campbell into disposing of Basil’s
14 The following day
body, deepening his entanglement in crime and deceit.
Dorian attends dinner at Lady Narborough’s, attempting to
15 That night escape his guilt but finding no refuge from the shadows of his
past.
Dorian is attacked by James Vane, who seeks vengeance for
Later that same
16 his sister. In a moment of sheer cunning, Dorian tricks him
night
and narrowly escapes death.
Dorian entertains friends at his country house, Selby Royal,
17 A week later but is gripped by terror when he glimpses James Vane’s face
at the window.
James Vane is accidentally shot dead in a hunting accident,
18 Three days later providing Dorian with a brief sense of relief from his looming
fears.
Determined to turn his life around, Dorian vows to change
19 Six months later and pursue a path of goodness, but the dark influences of his
past loom large.
In a desperate bid to free himself from the haunting portrait,
One night soon Dorian stabs it. A horrifying scream pierces the night as his
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after servants rush in to find Dorian dead, a knife through his heart,
while the portrait returns to its original, innocent beauty.
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