Dorian Gray
At the beginning of the novel Dorian Gray works like an ideal because of his male beauty and youth. Soon he becomes the object of two men’s attention. He dominates the imagination of Basil Hallward and he is dominated by the imagination of lord Henry.
Lord Henry convinces Dorian that his most outstanding characteristics, his youth and physical attractiveness are disappearing. Dorian then wishes his portrait could age instead of him. His vulnerability and insecurity at these moments makes him a great project for Lord Henry’s willing hands.
Dorian soon leaves Basil and moves to Lord Henry. He adopts the belief of “the new hedonism” and decides to live his life as a pleasure seeker. His relationship with an actress called Sibyl Vane tests his commitment to his new philosophy. Dorian’s love is as shallow as he is and soon he breaks Sibyl’s heart and drives her to suicide.
As Dorian’s sins grow worse over the years, Basil’s portrait grows more hideous. Dorian seems to lack a conscience, but his desire to change gives you the feeling that he is indeed a human. After killing Basil Dorian’s guilt tortures him until he is forced to throw away his portrait. In the end it’s almost as Dorian is being punished by his ability to be influenced.
Lord Henry convinces Dorian that his most outstanding characteristics, his youth and physical attractiveness are disappearing. Dorian then wishes his portrait could age instead of him. His vulnerability and insecurity at these moments makes him a great project for Lord Henry’s willing hands.
Dorian soon leaves Basil and moves to Lord Henry. He adopts the belief of “the new hedonism” and decides to live his life as a pleasure seeker. His relationship with an actress called Sibyl Vane tests his commitment to his new philosophy. Dorian’s love is as shallow as he is and soon he breaks Sibyl’s heart and drives her to suicide.
As Dorian’s sins grow worse over the years, Basil’s portrait grows more hideous. Dorian seems to lack a conscience, but his desire to change gives you the feeling that he is indeed a human. After killing Basil Dorian’s guilt tortures him until he is forced to throw away his portrait. In the end it’s almost as Dorian is being punished by his ability to be influenced.
By: Casper Carlsén