Chapters 1–2: Dorian Gray, a young and beautiful man
has his portrait painted by his artist friend, Basil Hallward.
The picture is so beautiful that the artist loves it as he also
loves Dorian. Dorian also admires the way the portrait
reflects his beauty but becomes frightened when his
new-found friend, Lord Henry, tells him that his beauty
will fade with age. Dorian makes a passionate wish that he
would remain young and beautiful forever; he would give
up his soul for this.