The primary problem in Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ is the conflict between aesthetics and morality. Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary beauty, becomes obsessed with the idea of eternal youth and the pursuit of pleasure. After seeing a portrait of himself that captures his physical beauty, he wishes that the painting would age instead of him, allowing him to indulge in a life of hedonism without facing the consequences.
This wish sets off a chain reaction that leads to Dorian’s moral degradation. As he indulges in excessive pleasures and embraces a nihilistic philosophy, the portrait serves as a silent witness to his corruption. Unlike Dorian, the painting bears the scars of his soul, reflecting the sins and depravity he chooses to ignore.
Ultimately, the problem lies in Dorian’s refusal to take responsibility for his actions. His desire to separate aesthetics from ethics results in a life devoid of real meaning, leading to tragic consequences. The novel poses significant questions about the nature of beauty, the importance of conscience, and the consequences of living a life based solely on appearance and pleasure.