The Picture of Dorian Gray is arguably one of Oscar Wilde’s most famous works, narrating a disturbing tale of one having to confront their own sinful soul.

Wilde’s only novel, it was first published in 1890, causing quite a scandal in Victorian England at the time due to its dark and depraved subject matter.

In the novel, Dorian Gray exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty, his portrait being the only evidence of his evil decadence and immortality.

This portrayal of his dark soul and sinful lifestyle he must keep hidden from the world.

It is in this way that Wilde displays both the devastating toll of living without morality and analyzes the darker, lesser-known side of late Victorian society.