111 The Picture of Dorian Gray Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is a classic novel that explores themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of living a life driven by pleasure. If you are tasked with writing an essay on this literary masterpiece, you may be struggling to come up with a topic that will set your paper apart from the rest. To help you out, here are 111 essay topic ideas and examples that will inspire you to create a unique and compelling piece of writing:

1. The role of beauty in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
2. The consequences of Dorian Gray's decision to sell his soul for eternal youth.
3. The theme of morality in the novel.
4. The symbolism of the portrait in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
5. The influence of Lord Henry on Dorian Gray's transformation.
6. The representation of women in the novel.
7. The significance of Dorian Gray's relationship with Sibyl Vane.
8. The impact of society on Dorian Gray's behavior.
9. The portrayal of hedonism in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
10. The motif of decay in the novel.
11. The role of art in Dorian Gray's life.
12. The depiction of masculinity in the novel.
13. The theme of appearance versus reality in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
14. The use of irony in the novel.
15. The portrayal of friendship in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
16. The theme of narcissism in the novel.
17. The symbolism of the yellow book in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
18. The representation of homosexuality in the novel.
19. The motif of guilt and redemption in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
20. The impact of Dorian Gray's actions on the people around him.
21. The theme of power and control in the novel.
22. The significance of the setting in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
23. The role of music in the novel.
24. The representation of religion in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
25. The theme of time in the novel.
26. The portrayal of corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
27. The motif of masks and disguises in the novel.
28. The impact of the supernatural elements in the novel.
29. The symbolism of colors in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
30. The theme of fate in the novel.
31. The representation of violence in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
32. The motif of mirrors in the novel.
33. The role of women in influencing Dorian Gray's behavior.
34. The theme of artifice in the novel.
35. The depiction of addiction in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
36. The motif of duality in the novel.
37. The impact of Dorian Gray's beauty on his life.
38. The theme of immortality in the novel.
39. The representation of class in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
40. The symbolism of the painting's transformation in the novel.
41. The role of the senses in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
42. The theme of individualism in the novel.
43. The portrayal of madness in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
44. The motif of mirrors and reflections in the novel.
45. The impact of Dorian Gray's upbringing on his behavior.
46. The theme of punishment and redemption in the novel.
47. The significance of the characters' names in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
48. The representation of the male gaze in the novel.
49. The motif of mirrors and shadows in the novel.
50. The role of art in Dorian Gray's transformation.
51. The theme of temptation in the novel.
52. The symbolism of the opium dens in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
53. The impact of the yellow book on Dorian Gray's behavior.
54. The representation of beauty in the novel.
55. The theme of corruption and decay in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
56. The role of the senses in Dorian Gray's hedonistic lifestyle.
57. The motif of masks and personas in the novel.
58. The significance of the portrait's transformation in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
59. The portrayal of violence and sexuality in the novel.
60. The theme of obsession in Dorian Gray's life.
61. The symbolism of mirrors and reflections in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
62. The impact of Dorian Gray's lifestyle on his mental health.
63. The representation of addiction and excess in the novel.
64. The motif of transformation and metamorphosis in the novel.
65. The role of society in shaping Dorian Gray's behavior.
66. The theme of art and creation in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
67. The significance of the portrait as a symbol of Dorian Gray's soul.
68. The portrayal of beauty and ugliness in the novel.
69. The symbolism of the yellow book as a corrupting influence.
70. The theme of morality and ethics in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
71. The impact of Dorian Gray's actions on his relationships.
72. The representation of the supernatural in the novel.
73. The motif of mirrors and reflections as a metaphor for self-reflection.
74. The role of music and art in Dorian Gray's life.
75. The theme of sin and redemption in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
76. The symbolism of the opium dens as a symbol of decadence.
77. The significance of Dorian Gray's descent into madness.
78. The portrayal of innocence and corruption in the novel.
79. The motif of masks and deception in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
80. The impact of Dorian Gray's beauty on his self-image.
81. The theme of pleasure and pain in the novel.
82. The representation of masculinity and femininity in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
83. The symbolism of the portrait's aging process in the novel.
84. The role of the senses in Dorian Gray's perception of reality.
85. The theme of secrecy and hidden desires in the novel.
86. The significance of the painting's role in Dorian Gray's transformation.
87. The portrayal of society's expectations in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
88. The motif of mirrors and reflections as a symbol of vanity.
89. The impact of Dorian Gray's lifestyle on his mental and physical health.
90. The theme of betrayal and loyalty in the novel.
91. The symbolism of the portrait as a reflection of Dorian Gray's soul.
92. The representation of beauty as a destructive force in the novel.
93. The motif of masks and disguises as a way of hiding one's true self.
94. The role of art in Dorian Gray's descent into madness.
95. The theme of hypocrisy and deceit in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
96. The significance of the portrait as a symbol of Dorian Gray's inner self.
97. The portrayal of beauty as a source of power in the novel.
98. The symbolism of the portrait as a mirror of Dorian Gray's soul.
99. The impact of Dorian Gray's actions on his mental and physical well-being.
100. The theme of self-destruction and self-preservation in the novel.
101. The representation of the portrait as a reflection of Dorian Gray's true nature.
102. The motif of mirrors and reflections as a symbol of vanity and self-absorption.
103. The role of art and aesthetics in Dorian Gray's life.
104. The theme of hedonism and excess in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
105. The significance of the portrait as a symbol of Dorian Gray's inner turmoil.
106. The portrayal of beauty as a curse in the novel.
107. The symbolism of the portrait as a mirror of Dorian Gray's sins.
108. The impact of Dorian Gray's lifestyle on his relationships and friendships.
109. The theme of corruption and decay in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
110. The representation of beauty as a dangerous and destructive force in the novel.
111. The motif of mirrors and reflections as a metaphor for self-deception and self-delusion.

With these essay topic ideas and examples, you are sure to find inspiration for your paper on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Whether you choose to explore themes of beauty, morality, or corruption, there are endless possibilities for analysis and interpretation in Wilde's novel. Good luck with your essay writing!