I think this book addresses the universal theme of morals, or in Dorian Gray's case, lack of. Dorian has no morals at all and I think Wilde wanted to point out how this can affect you in the long run. Dorian Gray only cared about his looks, mostly because Lord Henry told him this was the most important thing in life. There are examples in reality that prove this totally wrong. Shakespeare is one example. He was bald and thin and all around not very attractive. But he was a genius when it came to writing, which is what he is famous for. Many people in this world do look at what you have on the outside, but like better what is on the inside. This book basically says that a person's looks are more important than personality, which is not true at all.
I think the author understands that people do look at what you have on the outside, but I think that he is trying to prove a point with this book. I think his point is that having morals is so important and that you need to focus on yourself and take life as it comes to you, instead of adopting a cynical person's point of view. I would prefer to learn myself about life. I think that Wilde also shows how an older person can affect a younger person's frame of thought. Wilde almost depicts Lord Henry as a bad parent. Parents are supposed to help guide their children in the right direction. But, if they told their children what to think or expect, nobody would have morals. Henry was basically a bad parent to the young Dorian.
Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York: Barnes and Noble Classics. 2003. Print.
nice comparison
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