Penguin.com (usa)

People often discover that things or people are not what they at first seemed to be. These miscalculations are a result of, as the old saying goes, "judging a book by its cover." Looking below the surface is a predominant moral in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde's novel clearly suggests the theme that judgments based on appearance may be entirely inaccurate.

The theme that appearances can be deceptive is especially evident in Dorian Gray's encounter with James Vane. Dorian Gray is indeed the man for whom James Vane is searching. However, Dorian Gray uses his youthful appearance to escape danger. To the unknowing James Vane, Dorian Gray seems to be young and innocent; the reader knows him to be otherwise. The beautiful and sweet face of Dorian Gray masks his cruelty and corruption. Therefore, when the vengeful James Vane releases him, he is completely unaware he has released the man responsible for his sister's tragic death. James Vane is a great example of the theme because he trusts Dorian Gray's physiognomy over the more concrete evidence that he is the "Prince Charming."

Dorian Gray's image in the British upper class society further develops the moral of the novel. Although there are scandalous rumors about him, people "can not believe anything to his dishonour when they see him." His "frank debonair manner" and "charming boyish smile" immediately disclaim the evil things that are said about him. Again the motif of pretense is apparent. The general public is unwilling to believe anything wrong about someone who is "both rich and fascinating." How society perceives Dorian Gray is quite different from who he really is. His handsome face is enough to hide the truly hideous soul of Dorian Gray. Oscar Wilde points out the folly in failing to look below the surface.

Lord Henry's witty conversation also hints at the moral of Oscar Wilde's story. Lord Henry states that "it is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances." This assertion is completely ironic; the author wishes to highlight the point that it is only shallow people who do judge by appearances. The author conveys in his novel that a majority of the population does not judge their peers based on personality and attitude. Lord Henry goes on to say, "[beauty] cannot be questioned." The absurd comments made by Lord Henry suggest the amused resentment the author has for superficial personalities. Goodness is not in proportion with physical beauty. Judgments cannot be made based on the exterior alone.

Although there may be numerous morals present in The Picture of Dorian Gray, none are so pronounced as the message that the physical appearance of a person may not accurately convey the real personality of that individual. This moral is an eternal truth because it continues to apply to modern society. In the world of today, society, particularly American society, is very shallow and increasingly intrigued by beauty. It may even be safe to say that American culture worships that which the eye can take in. This applies to objects and possessions as well as people (example: sports cars and designer clothes). Society at present has become a slave to "the look" and it is this problem which Oscar Wilde addresses in his novel. The fact that society in Oscar Wilde's time and modern society both share the dilemma of skewed values and perceptions makes the theme of The Picture of Dorian Gray timeless.