Immoral, and horrible are two different things. Janes Austen created characters that were the most hated of all. Dorian Gray was more than horrible (In the Victorian society's view) He was vulgar and materialistic. And, to write about these things, at that time, was unacceptable. He started the decadent movement, which literally is writing about immoral things. I understand your point of view, it should not mean that the artist is immoral, but I believe a piece as pristine as 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' cannot be written without at least some attachment to the subject. And, well, Oscar Wilde also told this- "Basil Hallward is what I think I am ; Lord Henry what the World thinks me and Dorian what I would like to be-- in other ages, perhaps"

Sorry if it was too long a comment, it actually is a novel I feel very strongly about and also happens to be the best novel I have read. Great article too!!