Introduction Canonical literature is writing that influences people decision, way of life and behavior. The writing does not age and can stand test of time. In most cases canonical literature is preserved to show how an old writing can be perfectly related to modern life and time. Not all writingscan be considered as canonical. Outstanding writing may have a place in the canon. Such writings should show values that are related to real or human experiences and thoughts towards decisions and also engagement.(Daniel and Wild,2009). Canonical writing should also reveal people and what they can actually do. People can adapt evil or good traits depending on their adaptation and understanding. Perception is a vital factor, as a deep thought can be translated differently in such writing. Cultural beliefs play a great role in canonical writing. Social classes are a constant factor. Like in the modern or real world, people are divided into many groups that define the line of separation. (Joseph, 2008), this can be based on money one has acquired, the education or talent in a certain field. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a canonical literature because it matches the above explanation in many ways. Compatibility of the picture of Dorian grey with canonical literature Values Canonical values are evident in The Picture of Dorian grey. Throughout the novel, there is little or no sense or evidence of old crafts or behaviorsthat cannot be seen in the current life. People act and live exactly as people do today. The novel was written over a hundred years ago, yet it still displays current human behavior and thoughts.(Wild and Moira,2005). Dorian Grey falls in love with a beautiful woman. Later this love turns sour. For the rest of his life, he cannot find true love and becomes marred with guilt and other ill behaviors. This setting can be considered to be normal, and it is what can ordinarily happen in life. People with special education, such as chemists, for example, are sought for. Dorian needs help of a chemist to dissolve a body. In the current life, chemists have a certain education and can therefore carry out specific tasks.(Wild,2007). Attitude The attitudes reflected in canonical literature can be found in The Picture of Dorian Grey . Guilt and moral responsibility is highly evident in the novel. The attitudes in canonical literature show that people react or respond to life situations is the same way. In the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray , Dorian is a handsome man and wants to maintain that image. People do not like wearing out or having a wrinkled face. It may represent sadness or lack of vigor in life. Joy and contempt is a pursuit of many people. Dorian wants to remain young and attractive for a very long time. Frustrations are also evident throughout the novel. When Dorian damps his lover because she cannot act any more she commits suicide. People react to frustration in different ways and levels.(Michael,1995). People believe in revenge and karma. Dorian wants to kill anybody who is out to expose his real personality. An angry brother of his dead lover, Sibyl, wants to kill him because he broke heart of his sister.Dorian shows that he fears for