The Picture of Dorian Gray is the story of one beautiful, innocent young man's seduction, moral corruption and eventual downfall. In the beginning of the book, we are first introduced to two of the three main characters; Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wolton. We meet Basil and Lord Henry when they are discussing how perfectly perfect Dorian is; how completely innocent and good he is. Also how is the most beautiful man that has ever walked the earth. Lord Henry wants to meet this mysterious boy, but Basil does not want him to; we figure out later in the book that he has a romantic interest in Dorian. However Lord Henry gets his wish and meets Dorian Gray. Lord Henry manages to drastically change Dorian's perspective on the world. From this moment forward, Dorian's previously innocent point of view is dramatically different. Dorian begins to see life just as Lord Henry does. One thing that Dorian did do that Lord Henry would never, was fall in love with a woman; Sybil Vane, a young, beautiful, talented actress. Dorian falls head over heels for her (and her talent). She becomes so overcome with her love for him that her roles on stage lose their importance. This destroys Dorian's love for her, and he brutally dumps her. Sybil then commits suicide just as Dorian decides to turn around and take back his words.Lord Henry's influence on Dorian continues through out the rest of the novel, to Basil's dismay, until Dorian's eventual suicide.
I find it disgusting how sly Lord Henry is. Through out the book, I continuously felt bad for Dorian for falling under his "spell". Lord Henry's very narrow and harsh view of the world quickly overtook Dorian's perfect, innocent and good perspective on the world (which is very sad). Not only did Dorian lose his sense of good and innocence, but he also lost someone that was so important to him; Sybil Vane. Because of his newly shaped, narrow mind, Dorian viewed Sybil as a muse. Dorian's perspective on this relationship is very like that of Plato. Plato viewed love as wanting to possess something that is good. Dorian wanted to possess Sybil who was good, but when she was no longer a talented actress, she was no longer good. Therefore he no longer wanted to possess her.
Oscar Wilde's writing style is one of a kind. His pieces of literature are known for their witty and pointed styles. Another Oscar Wilde writing trait is that he's world renowned for his clever sayings.
I enjoyed your summary of the book, although I disagree with your view on Lord Henry. I find him quite amusing, witty, and charming. I am in awe at how he can manipulate so easily with his corrupt ways. It was Dorian Gray, never being exposed to the harsh reality of the world and being naive, that led to his destruction. Lord Henry only moved things forward. A character as picturesque and immature as Dorian is bound to fall sometime, whether tragically or not. When a person is blocked out from the real complicated truth of the world, they cannot prepare themselves or take caution for the danger of anything, especially one's own spastic emotions. If someone has an idea of reality then they can be much more rational and objective when making decisions, therefore protecting themselves. Look at Dorian Gray, he let his emotions overrun his life, became corrupt, and eventually couldn't handle it anymore so he killed himself. Lord Henry only gave him a little push towards something that was inevitable.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to agree with Cynthia on this one! I really loved your summary of the book. I think it describes it to a tee. However, I, too, think that Lord Henry is amusing, wildly intelligent, and witty. I am also fascinated on how easily it is for him to manipulate others. Dorian Gray's eventual downfall was his own fault entirely. All in all, though, this is a very executed post. Nice work, Oriana!
ReplyDelete