The Conflict Between Youth and Age

The novel's central theme of the tragic brevity of youth and beauty, played out through Dorian's desperate wish.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Lord Henry's Warning

Lord Henry's Warning The Speech on Youth Lord Henry tells Dorian that youth is the one thing worth having, and that it will fade. He paints a vivid picture of Dorian's future ugliness. This speech triggers Dorian's wish. The Fear of Aging Dorian becomes terrified of growing old. The fear is so strong that he makes a supernatural bargain. The novel suggests that the fear of age is a trap that leads to moral ruin.

The Portrait Ages in Dorian's Stead

The Portrait Ages in Dorian's Stead The Exchanged Fates Dorian remains young and beautiful while the portrait grows old and hideous. He enjoys the admiration of society, but his soul decays. The portrait bears the burden of time. The Paradox of Youth Dorian's eternal youth becomes a curse. He cannot form genuine relationships because he is not growing. He is trapped in a perpetual adolescence, unable to mature.

The Contrast with Others

The Contrast with Others Lord Henry's Aging Lord Henry, only ten years older than Dorian, is wrinkled, bald, and yellow. He envies Dorian's youth. But Lord Henry's age has brought wisdom, however cynical. The Young Men Who Copy Him Dorian's youthful appearance attracts young men who want to emulate him. But they eventually grow up or are ruined. Dorian remains the same, isolated by his curse.

The Desire for Normal Aging

The Desire for Normal Aging The Wish to Grow Old Dorian tells Lord Henry he wishes he could change, but he is tired of being the same. He senses that his youth is unnatural. He longs for the ordinary human experience of aging. The Final Irony When Dorian dies, his body instantly ages to its true state, withered and hideous. The curse is lifted, but only through death. The novel suggests that accepting mortality is part of being human.

Chapter II, in the garden

After the wish, throughout the novel

Years later, when Dorian is in his late thirties

Before his death, Chapter XIII