The Picture of Dorian Gray

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How sad it is I shall grow old, and horrid, and dreadful. But this picture will remain always young If it was only the other way

Wildes first and only published novel recounts the story of handsome Dorian Gray who upon having his portrait painted desires that it will age and grow ugly while he may remain eternally beautiful. The painting, which reflects each of Grays sins and transgressions in its hideousness, haunts him until it finally becomes unbearable. In this dark tale of duplicity and mortality, Wilde creates a world where art and reality collide.