Presents an annotated edition of the novel about Dorian Gray, a remarkably handsome youth who is corrupted into a life of terrible evil by Lord Henry Wotton; and includes backgrounds, reviews and reactions, and a selection of critical essays.
An exquisitely beautiful young man in Victorian England retains his youthful and innocent appearance over the years while his portrait reflects both his age and evil soul as he pursues a life of decadence and corruption. Illustrated sidebar notes provide historical background to the text.
In Victorian England, young aristocrat Dorian Gray meets Sir Harry Wotton and is introduced to London's society circuit and a decadent world of self-indulgience. Dorian sinks further into a cruel, hedonistic existence as Sir Harry's unscrupulous influence over him grows. While Dorian's appearance remains youthful, he discovers that his portrait ages and takes on hideous features reflecting his sinful ways. Ultimately, Dorian realizes that he has lost possession of his soul.