The Picture of Dorian Gray (Annotated)

Set in Victorian England, the story follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose desire for eternal youth leads him to wish that his portrait ages instead of him. Influenced by the hedonistic Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian indulges in a life of excess, resulting in his portrait reflecting his moral decay while he remains outwardly unchanged. Oscar Wilde critiques societal norms and the superficial values of his time, presenting a cautionary tale about the dangers of aestheticism and the consequences of abandoning moral principles. Rich in wit and philosophical insights, the novel explores the complexities of human nature and choice.