The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a profound exploration of vanity, morality, and the consequences of unchecked hedonism. The novel follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose extraordinary beauty is immortalized in a portrait. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian embraces a life of pleasure and excess, while his portrait bears the physical and moral decay of his actions, allowing him to remain outwardly unscathed. Wilde crafts a sharp critique of aestheticism and the pursuit of eternal youth, exposing the dangers of living without ethical boundaries.
Since its publication, The Picture of Dorian Gray has been celebrated for its wit, philosophical depth, and psychological complexity. The novel's exploration of duality—the conflict between appearance and reality, virtue and vice—has ensured its status as a cornerstone of Gothic and philosophical literature. Wilde's mastery of language and epigrammatic style adds layers of irony and insight, making the work as thought-provoking as it is captivating.
The novel's enduring relevance lies in its timeless meditation on self-indulgence, corruption, and the price of vanity. The Picture of Dorian Gray remains a powerful reflection on the human soul, urging readers to question the cost of a life devoted solely to pleasure and the illusions that beauty and youth can sustain.
A propos de l’auteur
Oscar Wilde was an Irish writer, poet, and playwright, renowned for his wit, flamboyant personality, and sharp social critiques. He is best known for The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) and his plays, including The Importance of Being Earnest (1895), which remain among the greatest works of English-language theater.
Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde was a brilliant student, excelling at Trinity College and later at Oxford University. He became a leading figure in the Aesthetic Movement, which championed ‘art for art's sake.’ His sharp intellect and distinctive style quickly made him a prominent figure in London's literary and social circles.
At the height of his success, Wilde's life took a tragic turn when he was convicted of ‘gross indecency’ due to his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. He was sentenced to two years of hard labor, which severely affected his health. After his release in 1897, he lived in exile in France, where he died in 1900 at the age of 46.
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