The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Masterpiece of Vanity and Decay

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde, published in 1890. It tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray, who is so vain and self-absorbed that he becomes obsessed with preserving his youthful looks.

Dorian is a perfect example of the old adage, “beauty is only skin deep.” He spends his days preening in front of mirrors, obsessing over his appearance and seeking out new ways to maintain his youthful glow. Unfortunately for Dorian, his obsession with eternal youth leads him down a dark and twisted path.

At the start of the novel, Dorian commissions a portrait of himself. When the portrait is finished, he is so enamored with his own beauty that he makes a wish: that the portrait would age instead of him, so that he could remain young and beautiful forever.

As the years pass, Dorian remains just as youthful and handsome as ever, but his portrait begins to decay and wither away. Despite this decay, Dorian remains oblivious and continues to pursue his hedonistic lifestyle, indulging in every whim and desire.

As Dorian descends deeper into depravity, his portrait becomes more and more grotesque. It serves as a warning that beauty can only mask the decay and corruption that lies beneath the surface. In the end, Dorian’s vanity and obsession with youth lead to his downfall.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a darkly humorous cautionary tale about the perils of vanity and the importance of inner beauty. Oscar Wilde’s wit and satire shine through in every page, making it a masterpiece of English literature.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a laugh-out-loud funny novel about the dangers of vanity and obsession with youth, then The Picture of Dorian Gray is the perfect read for you. Just remember: beauty is fleeting, but a good sense of humor lasts forever.