The Picture of Dorian Gray

The story revolves around Basil Hallward, an artist captivated by the beauty of Dorian Gray, whom he immortalizes in a portrait. Dorian, influenced by the notion that beauty is paramount, wishes for his portrait to bear the marks of aging instead of him. As he indulges in a life of hedonism, his portrait reflects the corruption of his soul, growing older and more grotesque with each sin. This exploration of vanity, morality, and the consequences of one's desires serves as a cautionary tale about the pursuit of aesthetic perfection.