The Picture of Dorian Gray

The narrative explores themes of vanity and the passage of time through a character's desire to remain youthful while a portrait captures their beauty forever. This longing highlights the conflict between outward appearance and inner decay, as the protagonist grapples with the inevitability of aging. The story delves into the consequences of wishing for eternal youth and the haunting nature of a static image that reflects a moment in time, contrasting the fleeting nature of life with the permanence of art.