The Picture of Dorian Gray stands as Oscar Wilde'ssole... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
16
2
Kenadie
09/07/2025
English Literature
The Picture of Dorian Gray - plot, context and themes
662
•
9 Jul 2025
•
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Fun Summary, Themes, and Cool Facts for 10 Year Olds
Kenadie
@xdxkxdx
Historical Context: Victorian England and Aestheticism
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" was written and published during the Victorian era, a time known for its strict moral codes and social conventions. This historical context is crucial for understanding the novel's themes and its reception.
Victorian England was characterized by:
- Decorum and sexual restraint
- Harsh attitudes towards crime
- Asceticism
Vocabulary: Asceticism refers to a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals.
The novel challenged many Victorian ideals, which contributed to its controversial reception. It depicted homosexuality, hedonism, and murder at a time when even minor crimes were harshly punished.
Highlight: The Victorian era often displayed a hypocritical divide between public morality and private behavior, especially among the upper classes.
The Aesthetic Movement, of which Wilde was a prominent figure, emerged as a reaction to the industrial era and Victorian moral strictures. It emphasized:
- Art should be judged solely on its beauty, not its moral or political message
- The pursuit of beauty as an end in itself
- The reevaluation of the relationship between art, society, and ethics
Example: Wilde addressed these ideas in the preface he added to "The Picture of Dorian Gray," arguing that art should be judged as either good or bad, regardless of any moral messages it might contain.
This philosophy directly challenged the Victorian notion that art should have a clear moral purpose, contributing to the novel's controversial reception.
Plot Summary of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" begins with the introduction of three key characters:
- Basil Hallward: An artist who paints a portrait of Dorian Gray
- Lord Henry Wotton: Basil's friend, known for his hedonistic philosophy
- Dorian Gray: A young, handsome man who becomes the subject of Basil's painting
The story unfolds as follows:
Basil is reluctant to display Dorian's portrait, believing it reveals too much of his own passion for the subject. Lord Henry, intrigued by Basil's fascination with Dorian, expresses a desire to meet him.
Quote: Basil warns Lord Henry, "Don't try to influence him. Your influence would be bad."
Despite Basil's reservations, Dorian arrives before Lord Henry leaves, leading to their fateful meeting. Lord Henry captivates Dorian with his philosophical ideas about hedonism and aestheticism.
Definition: Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good in life.
When the portrait is completed, it's hailed as Basil's masterpiece. However, Dorian becomes distressed, realizing that while the portrait will remain forever young and beautiful, he will age. In a moment of passion, he wishes to trade places with the portrait.
Highlight: This wish sets the stage for the novel's exploration of the consequences of unchecked desire and the pursuit of eternal youth.
The novel goes on to explore the moral decay of Dorian Gray as he pursues a life of pleasure and sensual experiences, while his portrait bears the marks of his sins and aging.
Plot Summary
The narrative follows the moral descent of Dorian Gray, beginning with artist Basil Hallward's fateful portrait.
Highlight: The central plot revolves around a magical portrait that ages while its subject, Dorian Gray, remains eternally young.
Example: Dorian's relationship with Sibyl Vane represents his first step toward moral corruption.
Quote: "When the portrait is finished it is declared as the best thing Basil has ever made."
Oscar Wilde's Life and Literary Context
Oscar Wilde, born in 1854, was an Irish poet and writer who became one of the most prominent literary figures of the Victorian era. His life and works, particularly "The Picture of Dorian Gray," continue to fascinate readers and scholars alike.
Wilde's education played a crucial role in shaping his literary career. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, on scholarships, where he began his writing journey. His wit and flamboyant style quickly made him a notable figure in artistic circles.
Highlight: Wilde was a leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasized the appreciation of beauty for its own sake.
The Aesthetic Movement, which originated in the 19th century, focused on appreciating beauty without the need for moral or social purpose. This philosophy heavily influenced Wilde's work, especially "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Definition: The Aesthetic Movement was an artistic and philosophical movement that valued beauty and artistic expression above all else, often summarized by the phrase "art for art's sake."
Wilde's literary career began with poetry before he moved on to plays and his sole novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," published in 1890. The novel's first edition was poorly received due to its homosexual themes and perceived immorality, leading to a revised version in 1891.
Quote: Wilde later said of the novel, "the note of doom that like a purple thread runs through the gold cloth of 'Dorian Gray'."
Wilde's personal life, particularly his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, led to his downfall. He was charged with gross indecency in 1895 and sentenced to two years of hard labor. After his release, he moved to Paris, where he died in 1900 of meningitis.
Highlight: Wilde's last work, "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," was inspired by his prison experiences and critiqued the inhumane conditions of Victorian prisons.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The Picture of Dorian Gray - Fun Summary, Themes, and Cool Facts for 10 Year Olds
Kenadie
@xdxkxdx
The Picture of Dorian Gray stands as Oscar Wilde's sole novel, a masterpiece exploring themes of beauty, morality, and corruption in Victorian society.
• The novel interweaves aestheticismand moral decay through its protagonist Dorian Gray, whose portrait bears the... Show more
Historical Context: Victorian England and Aestheticism
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" was written and published during the Victorian era, a time known for its strict moral codes and social conventions. This historical context is crucial for understanding the novel's themes and its reception.
Victorian England was characterized by:
- Decorum and sexual restraint
- Harsh attitudes towards crime
- Asceticism
Vocabulary: Asceticism refers to a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals.
The novel challenged many Victorian ideals, which contributed to its controversial reception. It depicted homosexuality, hedonism, and murder at a time when even minor crimes were harshly punished.
Highlight: The Victorian era often displayed a hypocritical divide between public morality and private behavior, especially among the upper classes.
The Aesthetic Movement, of which Wilde was a prominent figure, emerged as a reaction to the industrial era and Victorian moral strictures. It emphasized:
- Art should be judged solely on its beauty, not its moral or political message
- The pursuit of beauty as an end in itself
- The reevaluation of the relationship between art, society, and ethics
Example: Wilde addressed these ideas in the preface he added to "The Picture of Dorian Gray," arguing that art should be judged as either good or bad, regardless of any moral messages it might contain.
This philosophy directly challenged the Victorian notion that art should have a clear moral purpose, contributing to the novel's controversial reception.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Plot Summary of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
"The Picture of Dorian Gray" begins with the introduction of three key characters:
- Basil Hallward: An artist who paints a portrait of Dorian Gray
- Lord Henry Wotton: Basil's friend, known for his hedonistic philosophy
- Dorian Gray: A young, handsome man who becomes the subject of Basil's painting
The story unfolds as follows:
Basil is reluctant to display Dorian's portrait, believing it reveals too much of his own passion for the subject. Lord Henry, intrigued by Basil's fascination with Dorian, expresses a desire to meet him.
Quote: Basil warns Lord Henry, "Don't try to influence him. Your influence would be bad."
Despite Basil's reservations, Dorian arrives before Lord Henry leaves, leading to their fateful meeting. Lord Henry captivates Dorian with his philosophical ideas about hedonism and aestheticism.
Definition: Hedonism is the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good in life.
When the portrait is completed, it's hailed as Basil's masterpiece. However, Dorian becomes distressed, realizing that while the portrait will remain forever young and beautiful, he will age. In a moment of passion, he wishes to trade places with the portrait.
Highlight: This wish sets the stage for the novel's exploration of the consequences of unchecked desire and the pursuit of eternal youth.
The novel goes on to explore the moral decay of Dorian Gray as he pursues a life of pleasure and sensual experiences, while his portrait bears the marks of his sins and aging.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Plot Summary
The narrative follows the moral descent of Dorian Gray, beginning with artist Basil Hallward's fateful portrait.
Highlight: The central plot revolves around a magical portrait that ages while its subject, Dorian Gray, remains eternally young.
Example: Dorian's relationship with Sibyl Vane represents his first step toward moral corruption.
Quote: "When the portrait is finished it is declared as the best thing Basil has ever made."
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Oscar Wilde's Life and Literary Context
Oscar Wilde, born in 1854, was an Irish poet and writer who became one of the most prominent literary figures of the Victorian era. His life and works, particularly "The Picture of Dorian Gray," continue to fascinate readers and scholars alike.
Wilde's education played a crucial role in shaping his literary career. He attended Trinity College, Dublin, and Magdalen College, Oxford, on scholarships, where he began his writing journey. His wit and flamboyant style quickly made him a notable figure in artistic circles.
Highlight: Wilde was a leading figure of the Aesthetic Movement, which emphasized the appreciation of beauty for its own sake.
The Aesthetic Movement, which originated in the 19th century, focused on appreciating beauty without the need for moral or social purpose. This philosophy heavily influenced Wilde's work, especially "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Definition: The Aesthetic Movement was an artistic and philosophical movement that valued beauty and artistic expression above all else, often summarized by the phrase "art for art's sake."
Wilde's literary career began with poetry before he moved on to plays and his sole novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray," published in 1890. The novel's first edition was poorly received due to its homosexual themes and perceived immorality, leading to a revised version in 1891.
Quote: Wilde later said of the novel, "the note of doom that like a purple thread runs through the gold cloth of 'Dorian Gray'."
Wilde's personal life, particularly his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, led to his downfall. He was charged with gross indecency in 1895 and sentenced to two years of hard labor. After his release, he moved to Paris, where he died in 1900 of meningitis.
Highlight: Wilde's last work, "The Ballad of Reading Gaol," was inspired by his prison experiences and critiqued the inhumane conditions of Victorian prisons.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user