In "The Picture of Dorian Gray," what does the portrait symbolize?

In "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the portrait symbolizes the loss of innocence in a profound and nuanced manner. Throughout the novel, Dorian Gray begins as a young man full of potential and purity, but as he delves into a life of hedonism and moral corruption, the portrait becomes a mirror of his internal state. While Dorian himself remains youthful and beautiful, the portrait reflects the degradation of his character and the consequences of his choices, encapsulating the idea that he is losing his innocence and humanity.

The transformation seen in the portrait serves as a powerful visual representation of Dorian's moral decline, highlighting the stark contrast between his outward appearance and his inner turmoil. This duality emphasizes the novel's themes of vanity, the superficiality of beauty, and the implications of living a life driven by desire without regard for morality. The portrait becomes a haunting reminder of what Dorian once was, underscoring the tragic loss of his innocence as he succumbs to a life of excess and moral depravity.