Le portrait de Dorian Gray

"Le portrait de Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story delves into themes of aestheticism, morality, and the nature of beauty as it follows the life of a young man named Dorian Gray, whose exquisite beauty captivates those around him. As he becomes entangled in the hedonistic lifestyle promoted by Lord Henry Wotton, he grapples with the consequences of vanity and the desire for eternal youth. The opening of the novel introduces us to Lord Henry Wotton, who observes a stunning portrait of a young man named Dorian Gray created by the painter Basil Hallward. The scene is set in Basil's studio, filled with the fragrance of flowers and the atmosphere of artistry. As Lord Henry encourages Basil to showcase the portrait, it becomes evident that Basil is deeply attached to Dorian, confiding in Lord Henry about his intense feelings for the young man. The conversation foreshadows a conflict between beauty and morality, with Lord Henry advocating for indulgence in sensations while Basil expresses his fear of revealing too much of his soul through his art. Dorian's entrance into the narrative hints at the enchanting yet dangerous influence he will have on those around him, setting the stage for the exploration of aestheticism and its consequences in the chapters to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)