"The books that the world calls immoral are the books that show the world its own
shame." (p. 224) This quotation by Oscar Wilde truly defines the essence of his novel, The
Picture of Dorian Gray. Written in 1891, this novel created much controversy due to its implicit
homosexual content and its open criticism of the Victorian society. Since Wilde was a
passionate aesthetic supporter, he argued that art does not serve a purpose other than appealing
to the senses and being beautiful. In contrast with that belief, Victorian morals suggest that art
should be used as a tool for moral and social education. As a result of this difference in
ideologies, Wilde was forced to endure the disgrace that Victorian England had attached to his
name. Despite this, he decided to proceed with writing his only novel, The Picture of Dorian
Gray. Dorian Gray, a central character, becomes consumed with the idea that he will one day
lose his beauty and youth and as a result, he commits suicide. Lord Henry Wotton, a high-class
aristocrat, is the man responsible for leading Dorian down a path of disgrace and shame.
Through the character development of Dorian Gray, Wilde demonstrates that vanity, Lord
Henry Wotton's corrupting influence and society's failure to distinguish between appearance
and true self are a poisonous combination that feed Dorian's vices and eventually cause him to
Dorian Gray's dramatic downfall is partially a result of his narcissistic nature.
When Dorian's character is introduced, he is depicted as "...wonderfully handsome, with
finely curved scarlet lips, frank blue eyes and crisp gold hair." (p. 18) At first, Dorian is
innocent and uncorrupted because of his youth and lack of experience. In addition, he is
unaware of his stunning physical beauty and charm because to him appearance is of no
value. However, after sitting for a portrait ...