In the chapters 7-14 of "Dorian Gray" we start to get a clear picture of the true nature of the novel. Dorian begins subconsciously noticing that his emotions are fleeting at best, showing little remorse for his recently deceased fiancé. There Is a little suggestion by Wilde that the portrait has been absorbing the sins of Dorian, but that it has made him cold to human emotion has just begun to show. This foreshadowing of the paintings seemingly magical qualities is then confirmed when Dorian is speaking to Basil, and when Basil mentions exhibiting the piece, Dorian threatens their friendship and defensively refuses to show Basil his portrait.
In chapter 11, we see a comparison to Dorian Gray once he's older, and it interestingly enough lines up exactly with the author's true identity.
"...to him life itself was the first,the greatest, of the arts. Fashion, by which what is really fantastic becomes for a movement universal, and Dandyism,which,in its own way, is an attempt to assert the absolute modernity of beauty, had, of course, their fascination for him."pg123
I find this particularly interesting because this figure is the center of idolatry, as well as an immortal beauty. How well Oscar Wilde writes from this point of view, both from the positive and negative aspects.
What are your thoughts on the sudden rage and hatred for Basil that led Dorian to kill him?
What specific quality interests you the most when it comes to Dorian's evolved personality?
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