Kai Myers
2-9-15
Banned Books
Professor SoYoung Park
Dorian Gray
Chapters eight through fourteen further display the malformation, the distortion of Dorian Gray’s portrait as a result of his actions. Initially, he was horrified and shocked by the cruel look that developed on the painting after his shallow and callous rejection of Sybil Vain. He tries to make amends with himself and the girl he had falsely fallen in love with (love being a far too generous word) by writing a passionate letter, proclaiming his madness; but it is futile because she committed suicide not long after their previous spat. What is shocking to me is that Dorian puts off making amends with Sybil not only when he realizes his fault but also the following morning. He tries to forget that it even happened, and he even tries to consider the portrait’s transformation as entirely a part of his imagination.
Perhaps his true nature had always been present, and the portrait is just slowly revealing it. Maybe it is showing how others around him have created a person entirely enwrapped in himself and his own needs. Certainly, whatever the case may be, Dorian cannot blame his actions entirely on Lord Henry’s influence, as he tends to do. What he does is of his own accord, regardless.
He continues to ignore his harsh behaviors, and people marvel at him being seemingly untouched by the world around him. “…his charming, boyish smile, and the infinite grace of wonderful youth that seemed never to leave him…” (Wilde, 145). What he does and internally represents is revealed by the portrait.
Do you think Dorian Gray has always had the potential to be as shallow and cruel as he becomes?
Name some of his (Dorian Gray's) influences.
Is Lord Henry to blame for Dorian Gray's actions?
I think Dorian always had the capacity to be "shallow and cruel", in a way he was already shallow to begin with. Lord Henry is a main influence on his character but I would also account Basil as well as contributing to his shallowness since he is the first person to treat him like something for decoration. Lord Henry just instills in Dorian that having these superficial feelings are alright and to indulge in them as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteI believe that everyone is responsible for his or her own actions. It is true other people can influence you, but ultimately, it is the choice of the person doing the action who is to blame. Dorian certainly was influential, and young (as all children and youth are) I don’t blame Lord Henry entirely for Dorian’s downward spiral. (Basil was there as good influences also, do we see him trying to take his advice?) So, It was ultimately Dorian’s choice he made for all of his actions. Lord Henry, Basil, and Sybil were all influences on him, each in a different way.
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