"The Picture of Dorian Gray", by Oscar Wilde

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a novel written by Oscar Wilde. It tells the story of Dorian Gray, a handsome and wealthy young man living in Victorian England. The plot centers around a portrait painted by the artist Basil Hallward, which captures Dorian's youthful beauty and innocence. Dorian becomes infatuated with his own image in the painting and makes a Faustian bargain to ensure that he will remain young and beautiful forever, while the portrait ages and reflects the moral decay of his soul.

As Dorian indulges in a life of hedonism and immorality, he remains outwardly untouched by the consequences of his actions, while the portrait becomes increasingly grotesque and corrupted. Throughout the novel, Dorian grapples with the consequences of his choices and the realization that his outward appearance does not reflect the darkness within.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" explores themes of vanity, morality, and the pursuit of pleasure at the expense of one's soul. It is considered one of Wilde's most famous works and a classic of Victorian literature, known for its wit, social commentary, and exploration of the duality of human nature.