The Picture of Dorian Gray Q&A

When first published, critics during the Victorian Era were disgusted by the relatively graphic descriptions of immorality found within the book. However, Oscar Wilde argued that the book was not immoral but instead was moral, as the story depicts that sins have consequences, as depicted by Dorian’s wretched end.

Dorian’s death is catalyzed by ripping apart his portrait, which he has sold his soul over many years before. This act “broke the contract,” requiring that he pay for all of the sins of his past. His death is thus suicide.

Dorian Gray indulges in many forms of immorality, up to and including the penultimate sin, that of murder. While many specific acts of “vulgarity” are alluded to, they are rarely graphically described, as Wilde wanted the readers to determine their own definition of immoral acts. We can assume that he participated in deviant sex, both with men and women, acts wholly unapproved in Victorian England. His drug use is mentioned, and of course, he is dishonest, selfish, and vain.

Oscar Wilde believed in the Renaissance theory of the correlation of beauty and morality. This says that moral people are beautiful, while immoral people are ugly.