61 pages • 2 hours read
The Picture of Dorian Gray
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
London • 1890s
1890
Adult
18+ years
500L
Super Short Summary
The Picture of Dorian Gray chronicles the life of Dorian Gray, a 19th-century British aristocrat whose portrait, painted by Basil Hallward, becomes enchanted to bear the marks of his aging and moral corruption while Dorian himself remains young and beautiful. Influenced by the hedonistic lord, Henry Wotton, Dorian embarks on a life of selfish indulgence, leading to tragedy and scandal for those around him, ultimately resulting in his own demise. The book contains incidences of suicide, destructive behaviors, substance abuse, and explicit violence.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
1,618,276 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde has been praised for its captivating prose, vivid imagery, and deep exploration of aestheticism and moral decay. Critics admire Wilde's wit and the novel's philosophical depth, though some find its characters underdeveloped and its moralistic tone heavy-handed. Overall, it stands as a thought-provoking and richly crafted work.
Who Should Read The Picture of Dorian Gray?
A reader who relishes rich prose, philosophical musings on morality, and gothic aesthetic would enjoy The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein or Bram Stoker's Dracula will appreciate its exploration of human nature and dark themes. Suitable for those captivated by art, decadence, and ethical dilemmas.
1,618,276 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dorian Gray
Dorian Gray
The protagonist, celebrated for his supernatural good looks, who becomes swayed by Lord Henry’s seductive philosophy prioritizing beauty and pleasure.
Basil Hallward
Basil Hallward
An artist devoted to his work and to Dorian, creating the portrait that plays a central role in the novel, highlighting his unrequited affection for Dorian.
Sybil Vane
Sybil Vane
A young actress whose relationship with Dorian Gray plays a crucial role in revealing Dorian’s treatment of others as mere objects.
176
Novel • Fiction
London • 1890s
1890
Adult
18+ years
500L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.