lord henry's influence on dorian gray essay

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Oscar wilde, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

The power of one to affect another is a theme that pervades the novel. At first, Basil is influenced by his model Dorian . On a personal level, he is confused and changed by his romantic feelings, but Dorian’s influence is also more far-reaching, actually seeming to change Basil's ability for painting, and to change the painting itself in an almost supernatural way. Influence here describes an almost chemical change that one can assign to feelings and the perception of a painting. The same curse befalls Sybil Vane , when she is so influenced by Dorian, and by love, that she is transformed and can no longer act. In fact the whole course of events can be viewed as a series of domino-like influences. When the narrator recounts the series of bad relationships, where Dorian has led an innocent friend astray, the influences spread through the country, knowing no bounds.

Influence is also shown in the novel as a persuasive power. It is a less magical effect, of attractive ideas and styles worming their way into others’ vocabulary. Lord Henry ’s philosophies and paradoxes have a hypnotic power on some people, and cause Dorian to seek knowledge and believe in these theories enough that he lives by them. Henry’s suggestion that the soul and the senses can mutually cure each other, for example, arises in Dorian’s mind and, out of context, misguides him into thinking that opium could soothe his soul.

Influence ThemeTracker

Influence Quotes in The Picture of Dorian Gray

“He is all my art to me now.”

“Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul”

“I never approve or disapprove of anything now. It is an absurd attitude to take towards life.”

“I am changed, and the mere touch of Sybil Vane’s hand makes me forget you and all your wrong, fascinating, poisonous, delightful theories.”

“So I have murdered Sybil Vane,” said Dorian Gray, half to himself, “murdered her as surely as if I had cut her little throat with a knife. Yet the roses are not less lovely for that.”

“The girl never really lived and so she never really died.”

It was a poisonous book. The heavy odour of incense seemed to cling about its pages and trouble the brain.

“It is not in you Dorian to commit a murder. I am sorry if I hurt your vanity by saying so, but I assure you it is true. Crime belongs exclusively to the lower orders. I don’t blame them in the smallest degree. I should fancy that crime was to them what art is to us, simply a method of procuring extraordinary sensations.”

• Environment
• Information Science
• Social Issues
• Argumentative
• Cause and Effect
• Classification
• Compare and Contrast
• Descriptive
• Exemplification
• Informative
• Controversial
• Exploratory
• What Is an Essay
• Length of an Essay
• Generate Ideas
• Types of Essays
• Structuring an Essay
• Outline For Essay
• Essay Introduction
• Thesis Statement
• Body of an Essay
• Writing a Conclusion
• Essay Writing Tips
• Drafting an Essay
• Revision Process
• Fix a Broken Essay
• Format of an Essay
• Essay Examples
• Essay Checklist
• Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Research Paper
• Write My Research Paper
• Write My Essay
• Custom Essay Writing Service
• Admission Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Essay
• Academic Ghostwriting
• Write My Book Report
• Case Study Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Coursework Writing Service
• Lab Report Writing Service
• Do My Assignment
• Buy College Papers
• Capstone Project Writing Service
• Buy Research Paper
• Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

• Free Essay Samples

Related Essays

Related topics.

Find Out the Cost of Your Paper

Type your email

By clicking “Submit”, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy policy. Sometimes you will receive account related emails.

Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray

At the beginning of the book, Lord Henry was ambitious and social. He is a rich, snobby, idealist man. He seemed as if he was all to himself and told those around him how he felt, what he wanted, and what he thinks. All throughout the book, Lord Henry remarks that love and art are just forms of imitation and does not follow the idea. He stated “They are both simply forms of imitation”. Lord Henry says some uneducated things but deep down is a man of deep thought and brilliance. In one moment, Lord Henry although did really admire the picture Basil painted of Dorian. He stated “ It is your best work, basil, the nest thing you have ever done”. He admired Dorian Gray very much but he did not admire his decisions and thoughts on marriage. Ultimately, Lord Henry demonstrates that whatever influence anyone exerts over anyone else is proportional with the inner soul of the individual.

Lord Henry started out in the book as a snobby, rich, and idealist mean. He stated tp Basil “You will always be fond of me”. Everything was about himself and he seemed as if he knew everything and he always had to be right. Lord Henry was very fond of Dorian Gray and loved to admire him. Lord Henry although, did not agree with Dorian Gray’s standpoints on marriage and woman. He also believed that art and love are just forms of imitation. Lord Henry is a man possessed of wrong, fascinating, poisonous, and delightful theories. As the book continues on, he more of his true colors start to show. It progresses quite slow, but he does start showing. Ultimately, Lord Henry demonstrates that whatever influence anyone exerts over anyone else if proportional with the inner soul of the individual. Lord Henry always has a very strong opinion about what he believes.

Once Lord Henry starts showing his true colors, his actions change. Although he still has his spunk, he has started to have a softer spot now. “In the essence of your soul being capable to resist temptation, the latter will mean nothing”. He stated “I don’t want to be at the mercy of my emotions.” In Lord Henry’s mind, the mixture of forbidden pleasures and the beauty of Dorian would mean perfection perfected. Personally, I think that Lord Henry has always had a soft side to himself and throughout the chapters is starts to show more and more. All throughout the ending chapters, he did influence Dorian in many ways. For example, when Lord Henry and Basil discuss Basil’s newest painting, he becomes charmed by it and vows to meet and guide the man in the picture, despite Basil’s objection to his idea for him to meet Dorian Gray. Meanwhile, when Basil is painting Dorian, Lord Henry expounds on youth to Dorian.

In conclusion, Lord Henry is a sophisticated and social man. He demands honor and respect from those around him. He is pretty neutral all through the book, but does tend to show more of a soft side towards the end. Lord Henry did influence Dorian into doing some bad things which one would believe is one of the resulting factors of how Dorian Gray ended up. The actions, thoughts, and sayings of Lord Henry all throughout the book does show what kind of person he is. At the end, he especially changed because he did end up having a wife, although she did leave him.

Cite this page

Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray. (2021, Jul 05). Retrieved from https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/

"Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray." supremestudy.com , 5 Jul 2021, https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/

supremestudy.com. (2021). Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray . [Online]. Available at: https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/ [Accessed: 13 Apr. 2024]

"Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray." supremestudy.com, Jul 05, 2021. Accessed April 13, 2024. https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/

"Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray," supremestudy.com , 05-Jul-2021. [Online]. Available: https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/ . [Accessed: 13-Apr-2024]

supremestudy.com. (2021). Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray . [Online]. Available at: https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/ [Accessed: 13-Apr-2024]

Lord Henry Influence on Dorian Gray. (2021, Jul 05). Retrieved April 13, 2024 , from https://supremestudy.com/lord-henry-influence-on-dorian-gray/

This paper was written and submitted by a fellow student

Our verified experts write your 100% original paper on any topic

Having doubts about how to write your paper correctly?

Our editors will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Leave your email and we will send a sample to you.

Please check your inbox

Sorry, copying content is not allowed on this website

Please indicate where to send you the sample.

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2359 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11005 literature essays, 2764 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Lord henry’s experiment: a life without restraint riley steppe college.

In the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, an experienced and insightful man shares a compelling life philosophy with a younger, less refined man. This transmission of ideas opens the interpretation of how art and society influence identity in ways that don’t at first seem innate. While the artist, Basil, transforms Dorian Gray into a work of art, his acquaintance, Lord Henry, speaks to Dorian of the wonders and the tragedies of the human condition. Though Dorian is the subject of Basil’s art, Henry recognizes him as pure, and takes the chance to make Dorian a subject of his own. Basil’s purpose is to create a masterpiece that captures an abstract sense of beauty, but do Henry’s assertions have an end in mind as well? He tells Dorian of the deep misery that men feel from having denied themselves joy in life, that the chance to act upon innate urges only exits in youth, and that Dorian will be separated from his charm sooner than he realizes. Hearing of youth’s brevity bewilders Dorian and instills in him an urgency to work against his inevitable demise. In his diminished state, Dorian is impressionable, and it so happens that his impromptu teacher, Lord Henry, is well prepared to discuss the methods of leading a...

GradeSaver provides access to 2312 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 10989 literature essays, 2751 sample college application essays, 911 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Already a member? Log in

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Picture of Dorian Gray — Lord Henry’s Experiment: A Life without Restraint

An Unrestrained Life of Lord Henry

• Categories: The Picture of Dorian Gray

About this sample

Words: 1486 |

Pages: 3.5 |

Published: Jun 29, 2018

Words: 1486 | Pages: 3.5 | 8 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 887 words

3 pages / 1406 words

3.5 pages / 1676 words

6.5 pages / 3030 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, is a classic exploration of the duality of human nature. In chapter 11, this theme is particularly evident as we see the internal struggle and moral decay of the protagonist, [...]

Throughout history, art has played a major role in portraying the structure of society and the different roles people play in it. In Oscar Wilde’s novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, art seems to dictate the life of young Dorian [...]

The Picture of Dorian Gray demonstrates a divide between aestheticism and morality that Oscars Wilde depicts by giving each character a very specific persona that either challenges or indulges in the immoral vices of life. [...]

Throughout the Gothic novel Dracula, Stoker uses symbology and imagery to reveal social anxieties and fears of the late Victorian era, for example the use of animalistic description and blood. Wilde, in his own Gothic novel [...]

«The book gives a person the opportunity to rise above himself» Andre Maurois Books are our guides to life. They guide us, when we are at the crossroads, support when we are ill, give advice, give us the experience [...]

The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, is a classic example of a traditional Gothic novel, despite the fact that it isn’t scary. Gothic literature received its name because many examples of the genre were set during the [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Late 19th Century British Literature & Culture

Aesthetes, Libertines, & Dandies

The Picture of Dorian Gray… And Lord Henry?

The portrait of Dorian Gray, reflecting every year that goes by and every sin committed, could also be interpreted as a reflection of Lord Henry’s corruption of Dorian. Further, Lord Henry is reflected in this portrait, as he is also a physicalization of Dorian’s greed and negativity. After all, he is the one that imparted these views onto Dorian. Additionally, the portrait of Dorian seems to fill Dorian with negative thoughts and feelings in a similar manner to Lord Henry. There is a particular moment, right before Dorian kills Basil in the room where the painting hangs, that “Dorian Gray glanced at the picture, and suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though it had been suggested to him by the image on the canvas” (151). In this moment, Dorian is being influenced in a manner very similar to how he was influenced by Lord Henry. Additionally, the portrait is only the way it is because of Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian, therefore the emotions and thoughts Dorian derives from being around the painting are still a result of Lord Henry. Therefore, in a roundabout way, Lord Henry had a part in the murder of Basil Hallward, but that is neither here nor there – what is important is that the portrait is as much of a reflection of Lord Henry as it is Dorian, and when the painting is influencing Dorian’s actions and feelings, it is inadvertently Lord Henry influencing Dorian.

Just as the portrait is a physicalization of Dorian’s sins, so is Lord Henry. After all, Lord Henry’s life is what influenced Dorian in the first place to follow the treacherous path that led to the committing of so many sins. Lord Henry is the one constantly whispering in Dorian’s ear, whether literally or metaphorically through that odd French novel, influencing his every move in life. This is eerily similar to the way that is influenced by the painting when he is near it, whether that influence be paranoia, guilt, or murderous intent. Additionally, many if not all of the actions Dorian has taken in life that have led to the painting looking the way it does are actions that have been endorsed, encouraged, or inspired by Lord Henry. In fact, although it is not explicitly said, it can be inferred that many of those horrid actions were committed alongside Lord Henry. Therefore, even though the portrait may be a painting of Dorian, each sin committed that alters the appearance of the painting is a reflection of Lord Henry as well as it is Dorian, with their darkest actions intermingling on the canvas.

Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in “The Picture of Dorian Gray”

This essay about “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde explores the intricate relationship between art, aesthetics, and morality. It examines how the pursuit of beauty and pleasure shapes the characters, particularly Dorian Gray, whose life is mirrored by his portrait that ages and corrupts as he indulges in hedonistic pursuits. The essay discusses the transformative power of art and its ability to reflect inner beauty or moral decay, using the contrasting characters of Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton to highlight different attitudes towards aesthetics. Wilde’s critique of Victorian society’s obsession with appearances and the consequences of valuing aesthetic beauty over ethical integrity are central themes. The novel is presented as both a cautionary tale and a commentary on the duality of human nature, suggesting that the pursuit of aesthetic pleasure at the expense of morality can lead to spiritual desolation. Through “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Wilde invites reflection on the true value of beauty and the moral implications of our actions and artistic expressions.

How it works

Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” offers a captivating expedition into the realms of art, aesthetics, and their profound implications on the human psyche. Through the narrative lens of Dorian Gray’s existence and the eerie portrayal mirroring his ethical degradation, Wilde delves into the transformative influence of the pursuit of beauty, youth, and hedonistic gratification on one’s conduct and interpersonal connections. This narrative intricately intertwines the tapestry of artistry and aesthetics with the labyrinthine corridors of moral and ethical dilemmas, presenting art not merely as a vessel for capturing beauty but also as a reflective surface laying bare the depths of one’s inner essence.

Central to the fabric of the novel lies the dynamic interplay between Dorian Gray and the canvas crafted by Basil Hallward. Initially, this painting encapsulates Dorian’s physical allure and innocence, epitomizing the zenith of aesthetic perfection. However, as Dorian descends into the abyss of vanity and surrenders to the allure of sensual indulgence, the canvas metamorphoses into a grotesque tableau mirroring his moral decay. Wilde employs this metamorphic allegory to castigate the Victorian era’s fixation on superficial appearances and to underscore the perilous repercussions of prioritizing aesthetic allure over ethical rectitude.

The characters’ perceptions of beauty and art serve as pivotal determinants shaping their destinies. Dorian’s insatiable yearning for perpetual youth and physical allure ensnares him in a vortex of moral degradation, serving as a testament to Wilde’s contention that the relentless pursuit of aesthetic gratification can culminate in the forfeiture of one’s moral compass. Lord Henry Wotton, with his nihilistic and hedonistic ethos, acts as the catalyst for Dorian’s metamorphosis, advocating a worldview that exalts aesthetic gratification as the ultimate raison d’être. In stark contrast, Basil Hallward embodies the archetype of the unadulterated artist, perceiving in Dorian the potential for transcendent beauty but ultimately succumbing to the vicissitudes of his own creation.

The significance of art in “The Picture of Dorian Gray” transcends the confines of the canvas, emerging as a treatise on the dichotomy of human nature and the labyrinthine corridors of morality. Wilde challenges the conventional paradigm dictating that art must serve a moral imperative, championing instead the ethos of appreciating art for its intrinsic merit. Nevertheless, the novel itself serves as a moral fable, sounding a clarion call against the perils of succumbing to the seductive allure of aestheticism and the erosion of ethical moorings in the quest for eternal beauty and sensory gratification.

In denouement, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” presents a nuanced inquiry into the realms of art and aesthetics, unraveling their profound influence on character delineation and moral decision-making. Wilde adeptly elucidates the transformative power of art to both reflect and mold reality, intimating that beauty, when divorced from ethical considerations, engenders a life bereft of substance and meaning. Through the tragic saga of Dorian Gray, Wilde beckons readers to contemplate the intrinsic value of beauty and the exorbitant toll exacted by sacrificing moral rectitude at the altar of sensual pleasure. The novel endures as an enduring meditation on the intersecting domains of artistry, morality, and the human spirit, impelling us to ponder the legacy we etch within the canvases of our existence.

Cite this page

Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in "The Picture of Dorian Gray". (2024, Mar 02). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/mirrors-of-the-soul-art-and-aesthetics-in-the-picture-of-dorian-gray/

"Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"." PapersOwl.com , 2 Mar 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/mirrors-of-the-soul-art-and-aesthetics-in-the-picture-of-dorian-gray/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/mirrors-of-the-soul-art-and-aesthetics-in-the-picture-of-dorian-gray/ [Accessed: 13 Apr. 2024]

"Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"." PapersOwl.com, Mar 02, 2024. Accessed April 13, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/mirrors-of-the-soul-art-and-aesthetics-in-the-picture-of-dorian-gray/

"Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"," PapersOwl.com , 02-Mar-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/mirrors-of-the-soul-art-and-aesthetics-in-the-picture-of-dorian-gray/. [Accessed: 13-Apr-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Mirrors of the Soul: Art and Aesthetics in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/mirrors-of-the-soul-art-and-aesthetics-in-the-picture-of-dorian-gray/ [Accessed: 13-Apr-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Corruption In Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde that tells the story of a young man, Dorian Gray, who becomes corrupted by his own vanity. The novel explores the themes of morality, corruption, and art. The Picture of Dorian Gray was first published in 1890 and has been adapted into various forms of media, including film and stage.

The novel has been controversial since its publication due to its explicit content and because it promotes a lifestyle that many people find objectionable. However, it remains one of Wilde’s most popular works and continues to be studied by scholars and students today. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a classic example of a novel that explores the dark side of human nature. The story’s protagonist, Dorian Gray, is a young man who is consumed by his own vanity.

He believes that his good looks will last forever and that he can never grow old or die. As a result, he leads a life of decadence and luxury, indulging in all sorts of vices without consequences. The only thing that remains unchanged throughout Dorian’s life is a portrait of himself that he keeps hidden away. The portrait gradually becomes more and more corrupted as Dorian’s soul grows blacker.

The novel culminates with Dorian realizing the true extent of his corruption and the destruction that it has wrought on his life. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale about the dangers of vanity and the corrupting influence of power. It is also a unique and timeless work of literature that continues to be relevant today.

According to the nurture theory of human behavior’s development, a child is born without any understanding of how to interpret things and has no experience. The youngster is innocent and pure. It leans on others for direction and trusts them to show it the way.

When a kid is delivered, most are greeted by attentive nurses, doctors, and parents who care for them. The first encounter between this kid and these other people has an impact on him or her. Their parents and classmates have an influence on their personalities, as well as who they become over time.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde tells the story of corruption. The novel is a study of the power that corrupt influences have not just on individuals, but also on society as a whole.

Dorian Gray is a young, handsome man who lives a life of luxury. He has everything he could ever want and more. However, what he doesn’t realize is that all of his possessions come at a cost. As he indulges in his pleasures, he gradually becomes more and more corrupt. The novel addresses the idea that when someone has everything they could ever want, they become bored and start to look for new ways to entertain themselves. This often leads to them engaging in activities that are harmful to both themselves and those around them.

One of the things that makes The Picture of Dorian Gray so interesting is the way it addresses the issue of corruption. It doesn’t just focus on how someone can be corrupted, but also on how that corruption can spread to those around them. The novel shows how a corrupt individual can influence those around them and ultimately lead to the downfall of society as a whole.

The Picture of Dorian Gray is an important work not just because it is a well-written story, but also because it highlights a very real issue that is still relevant today. Corruption is something that can start small, but if left unchecked, can quickly spiral out of control. The novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and the need for people to be aware of its dangers.

While The Picture of Dorian Gray is a work of fiction, it contains many elements that are based in reality. The issue of corruption is something that is all too real and it is something that people need to be aware of. The novel highlights the importance of maintaining a sense of morality and being aware of the corrupting influence that those around us can have. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a timeless work that is still relevant today. It is a story that everyone should read and learn from.

In the United States, cannabis possession is a misdemeanor in some states and a felony in others. In other places, it’s not considered as harmful as alcohol or tobacco. However, there are severe penalties for those who break the law: jail time or fines.

In The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, the corruption and consequences are represented by Lord Henry Wotton’s influence on Dorian Gray as well as his painting. Wilde emphasizes Dorian’s attractiveness and youth to imply his incorruptibility. Throughout the book, Dorian is characterized as attractive, good-looking, and beautiful.

The Dorian Gray we are first introduced to is an innocent, naïve young man who knows very little about the world. However, as the novel progresses and Dorian becomes more corrupt, his physical appearance changes to match his inner ugliness. The once beautiful and handsome youth is transformed into a hideous creature. The portrait of Dorian Gray becomes an accurate representation of his soul, which has become corrupted by evil.

The physical changes that take place in the portrait show the progression of corruption in Dorian’s soul. The picture reflects every sinful deed that he commits, and as a result, it becomes increasingly ugly. Wilde uses the contrast between Dorian’s actual physical appearance and the appearance of his portrait to demonstrate the power of corruption. The portrait serves as a representation of Dorian’s true self, which has been corrupted by evil.

While Lord Henry does not necessarily corrupt Dorian directly, his words and actions have a profound influence on the young man. Lord Henry is a hedonist who lives for pleasure and believes that one should pursue any desire in order to achieve happiness. He encourages Dorian to live life to the fullest and to never let anything stand in his way. In other words, he teaches Dorian to be selfish. As a result of Lord Henry’s influence, Dorian becomes obsessed with pleasure and pursues it relentlessly. He becomes careless and reckless, leading to his eventual downfall.

More Essays

• The Picture Of Dorian Gray Essay
• How Art Relates to Dorian Gray
• The Picture Of Dorian Gray Analysis Essay
• The Picture Of Dorian Gray Research Paper
• Compare And Contrast Lady Windermere’s Fan And The Importance Of Being Ernest Essay
• Gender Roles In The Male Gaze Essay
• The Pros And Cons Of Judicial Corruption Essay
• Corruption In Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales Essay
• Corruption In Food Industry Essay
• Hedonism Oscar Wilde

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.