The Picture of Dorian Gray

The moral decline of Dorian Gray unfolds as he becomes enamored with Lord Henry Wotton's hedonistic philosophy, believing beauty and pleasure are paramount. After wishing for eternal youth while his portrait ages, Dorian indulges in a life of vice, leading to unspeakable acts. As time passes, his portrait reveals the true cost of his desires, embodying the decay of his soul. This novel serves as both a character study and a critique of Victorian society's moral failings, making it one of Wilde's most controversial and enduring works.