Gothic · Audiobook read-along
The Picture of Dorian Gray
A young man stays beautiful while his portrait bears the cost of his sins.
Reading The Picture of Dorian Gray in English
Best for: C1 (Advanced), with read-along support
Oscar Wilde's only novel is famous for its wit and its moral darkness in equal measure. Lord Henry Wotton speaks in long, paradoxical speeches that turn conventional wisdom upside down, and much of the pleasure lies in following those arguments closely. The vocabulary is wide, the sentences often elaborate, and the social world of Victorian London is drawn with sharp irony — all of which makes this a rewarding but demanding read.
What you'll practise
- Reported speech and indirect thought across extended dialogue exchanges
- Vocabulary of fine art, aesthetics, and Victorian high society
- Wilde's use of paradox and inversion as rhetorical devices
- Tap any aesthetic or ironic phrase to check its meaning in context
How to read it here: press play and follow the highlighted text as it's read aloud, and tap any word you don't know for a definition graded to your level. Start reading free →
Prefer a printout? Download the free companion PDF — the cover, your best-for level, what you'll practise, and the link back to read it along with audio. There's also a free key vocabulary PDF — the words from this book grouped by CEFR level, with definitions and examples.
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Common questions about reading The Picture of Dorian Gray
What level of English is The Picture of Dorian Gray best for?
The Picture of Dorian Gray suits C1 (Advanced) learners. With read-along audio and tap-to-define vocabulary, you can read it a little above your comfort level without getting stuck.
Is The Picture of Dorian Gray free to read in English?
Yes. The Picture of Dorian Gray is free to read here with synced read-along narration — no signup and no payment.
Does The Picture of Dorian Gray come with audio?
Yes. Every book on The Reading Corner is narrated, with the words highlighting in time as you listen and every difficult word explained on tap — so you read and hear English together.
