1. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Karoli Kahn
XIA

2. The Picture of Dorian Gray
The only published novel by Oscar Wilde
First appeared on 20 June 1890 in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine
The book was published in April 1891
Considered a work of classic gothic horror fiction
Often mistitled “The Portrait of Dorian Gray”

4. Plot Basil Hallward’s fatal picture of Dorian Gray
Innocent and inexperienced young man Dorian Gray falls under the influence of hedonist Lord Henry
In the end, it is proven that man’s purpose in life cannot be seeking pleasure, it is more important to be good than to be beautiful.
Themes: The purpose of art; the supremacy of youth and beauty; the surface nature of society; the negative consequences of influence

5. Connection with Wilde’s life
Friendship between Oscar Wilde and younger men often compared to relationships in The Picture of Dorian Gray
Series of trials, accusations of homosexuality
(a clip from „The Trials of Oscar Wilde”)

6. Quotes
"The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world. They can sit at their ease and gape at the play.“
"But beauty, real beauty, ends where an intellectual expression begins. Intellect is in itself a mode of exaggeration, and destroys the harmony of any face.“
"My dear boy, no woman is a genius. Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals.“

7. Films
Two films based on the book, which appeared in 1945 and 2009

8. Thank you for your attention!