‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is the story of one beautiful, innocent young man’s seduction, moral corruption, and eventual downfall.
The story begins in the art studio of Basil Hallward, who is discussing a current painting with his witty friend Lord Henry Wotton. Henry thinks that the painting, a portrait of an extraordinarily beautiful young man, should be displayed, but Basil disagrees. Dorian then arrives, and he is fascinated as Henry explains his belief that one should live life to the fullest by indulging one’s impulses. Henry also points out that beauty and youth are fleeting, and Dorian declares that he would give his soul if the portrait were to grow old and wrinkled while he remained young and handsome.
