Written as a serialized novel in 1890 but heavily revised in 1891, The Picture of Dorian Gray tells the story of an attractive young man who becomes obsessed with his own beauty. After a friend paints a portrait of him that perfectly captures his beauty, Dorian utters the fateful wish that the portrait age instead of him. When this wish comes true, Dorian falls into a lavish life of vice and pleasure, remaining eternally young and attractive while his soul—trapped inside the portrait—withers away. The novel examines the value of art and beauty while also challenging the idea that unchecked pleasure leads to true happiness.