Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who becomes obsessed with eternal youth and beauty. After having his portrait painted, Dorian wishes that he could remain young forever while the painting ages instead of him. This wish comes true, and while Dorian stays physically unchanged, his portrait begins to reflect the corruption of his soul as he indulges in a life of pleasure, sin, and moral decay. The novel explores themes of vanity, morality, influence, and the consequences of living without responsibility or conscience.