Picture of Dorian Gray

In the first few chapters of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde expresses a language of mystery and curiosity of his characters. He portrays Dorian as this seductive masterpiece in the eyes of Lord Henry and Basil, who praise Dorian as if he were a god. Once Lord Henry became acquainted with Dorian through Basil, he hungered to learn more about Dorian, who wooed him in such a mystical way. Wilde portrayed Dorian as this shy boy. Who had a lot of growing up to do through Lord Henry's eyes. Lord Henry basically mind fucked Dorian in the first few chapters by seducing him into his intriguing language, which wrapped Dorian into a knot around his finger because Dorian was young, beautiful, curious, and most of all Vulnerable. Without any question Lord Henry has lit a fuel that will soon light the fire because what becomes of the first few chapters is a messy love quarrel that Wilde has created between Lord Henry and Dorian Gray.

1.) Do you think that Lord Henry has put a fear in Dorian, by his persuasiveness? Why or why not?

2.) After reading chapters 1-7, how do you interpret Lord Henry and Dorian's relationship as "friends?"