Summary:
"Das Bildnis des Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde is a novel written in the late 19th century. This work explores themes of beauty, morality, and the nature of art through its central character, Dorian Gray, whose portrait captures not only his physical beauty but also the essence of his soul. The narrative begins with the interaction between Dorian's creator, the painter Basil Hallward, and Lord Henry Wotton, who becomes a significant influence on Dorian's life. At the start of the story, the atmosphere is set in an artist's studio filled with fragrances from the garden, where Basil Hallward is painting the portrait of the remarkably handsome young man, Dorian Gray. As the two discuss the painting, we learn that Basil is reluctant to exhibit it because he feels too much of himself is revealed in it. Lord Henry's arrival introduces a hedonistic philosophy that captivates Dorian. Basil describes his first encounter with Dorian at a gathering, expressing how deeply he is affected by the young man's beauty and presence. The opening hints at Dorian's deepening relationship with beauty and art, juxtaposing Lord Henry's flamboyant ideas against Basil's genuine affection for his muse, setting the stage for the moral exploration that will unfold as Dorian grapples with the implications of his desire for eternal youth and beauty. (This is an automatically generated summary.)