A comparison between Oscar Wilde and Dorian Gray A novel that stands out as a literary masterpiece is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Wilde wrote a dark story of a man, Dorian Gray, who destroys his life by exchanging his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The character of Dorian Gray, in many ways, reflects the self-destruction of the author's life. Therefore, Oscar Wilde portrays his own life through Dorian Gray, the main character of the novel. Oscar Fingal O' Flahertie Wills Wilde is one of Birtain's best-known authors. What many people don't know is that "Oscar Wilde's life story has become... one of the tragic legends of the ages" (Broad v). Wilde was born in 1854 in Dublin, Ireland, to Sir William Wilde, a distinguished surgeon specializing in ophthalmology, and Lady Wilde, a poet who ran a literary salon in Dublin. Being an excellent student, he won a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford in 1874. Wilde soon adopted his parents' talent for ostentation, always dressing conspicuously and speaking wryly and ironically when referring to subjects he considered disgusted. He graduated with honors and became a very distinguished man, but not even his tall stature could prevent him from facing the tragedies of life. The Picture of Dorian Gray “is largely the autobiography of the author” (Belford 170). In 1883, after moving to London, he married Constance Mary Lloyd and had two children. Wilde is thought to have married Constance "to quell rumors of his possible homosexuality, as well as to provide him with a regular income" (Holland 113) because in 1800s England it was frowned upon if one was homosexual. In 1891, The Picture of Dorian Gray was published in book form, and... in the middle of the page... Lde and Dorian are homosexuals and find pleasure in being with men. Wilde reflects a lot on his life and tells his story through one of his most well-known and controversial novels of all time The Picture of Dorian Gray. Works Cited Belford, Barbara. Oscar Wilde. New York; Random House, 2000Broad, Lewis. The friendships and follies of Oscar Wilde. New York; Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1954. Ericksen, Donald. Oscar Wilde. Boston; GK Hall & Co., 1977 Holland, Merlin. The Wilde album. New York; Henry Holt and Company, 1997. Hyde, H Montgomery. Oscar Wilde/The Consequences. New York; Farrar, Straus & Co., 1963 Pearson, Hesketh. Oscar Wilde: His Life and Spirit. New York; Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1946"Pink Monkey". www.pinkmonkey.com January 15, 2001 Wilde, Oscar The Picture of Dorian Gray New York, 1956.