The Picture of Dorian Gray Audiobook

Description

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian begins as an innocent young man, captivated by his own beauty and the hedonistic philosophy of his mentor, Lord Henry Wotton. After seeing a portrait of himself painted by his friend Basil Hallward, Dorian wishes that he could remain as youthful and beautiful as the image on the canvas, while the portrait ages instead. His wish comes true, and as Dorian embarks on a life of excess and moral corruption, the portrait gradually reflects the ugliness of his inner self. Wilde vividly contrasts Dorian’s outward charm with the grotesque transformation of his portrait, symbolizing the destructive power of vanity and selfishness.

As Dorian’s actions grow darker, from manipulating lovers to committing murder, Wilde delves into themes of guilt, consequence, and the dangers of living solely for pleasure. The portrait, hidden away from the world, becomes a visual reminder of Dorian’s decaying soul, yet he continues to evade responsibility, indulging in his desires without remorse. Wilde’s tale serves as a cautionary allegory, where the ultimate consequences of living without conscience are unavoidable. The novel’s gothic atmosphere, laced with Wilde’s signature wit, creates a timeless story about the dangers of valuing appearance over character.