Symbolism in Color: The Picture of Dorian Gray

In many literary works, various colors are often imbued with symbolic meanings that relate to the emotions or themes of the story. Consider the following excerpt from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:

“The studio was filled with the rich odor of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering thorn.”

Based on the imagery and symbolism present in this excerpt, which of the following best identifies a color symbol linked to the themes of beauty and moral corruption as explored in Wilde’s narrative?