Symbolism By Richa Bisht
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Following a brief encounter with Lord Henry, Dorian begins to fear the demise of his youth and the onset of old age, along with the hideous imperfections that will surely mar his perfection in the coming years. Consequently, he imprudently begs for his beauty to remain eternal while his portrait endures the burden of age. His wishes are granted, and the image becomes a reflection of Dorian’s soul while his external appearance remains untouched by time. He initially discovers the strange connection between him and the picture after he callously rejects Sybil Vane, which results in her suicide.
Yet rather than being alarmed by the deterioration of his likeness on the canvas, Dorian takes perverse pleasure in watching the painting deteriorate with each crime he commits. The picture frees Dorian from his inhibitions by allowing him to pursue each whim that crosses his mind without fear of losing his physical splendor. The “most magical of mirrors” (78) serves as a constant reminder of his malevolent nature, but instead of making any attempts to refrain himself from debaucheries, Dorian simply ignores the atrophy of his soul by hiding the painting in a remote corner of his mansion. As Dorian indulges his senses, depravity and corruption consume his life.
Yet rather than being alarmed by the deterioration of his likeness on the canvas, Dorian takes perverse pleasure in watching the painting deteriorate with each crime he commits. The picture frees Dorian from his inhibitions by allowing him to pursue each whim that crosses his mind without fear of losing his physical splendor. The “most magical of mirrors” (78) serves as a constant reminder of his malevolent nature, but instead of making any attempts to refrain himself from debaucheries, Dorian simply ignores the atrophy of his soul by hiding the painting in a remote corner of his mansion. As Dorian indulges his senses, depravity and corruption consume his life.
The Yellow Book
The yellow book, given as a gift to Dorian by Lord Henry, is an allusion to J.K. Huysmans’ À Rebours ("Against Nature"). It follows a Parisian in the nineteenth century who seeks “all the passions and modes of thought that belonged to every century except his own” (91). In reading about the young man’s hunt for pleasure, Dorian catches a glimpse of his own life, which echoes the daring, sensuous life of the Parisian. The decadence and profligacy of the French man’s lifestyle enthralls Dorian in every respect. The author’s elaborate, seductive passages mesmerize Dorian, and he begins lose himself within the pages of the book. Eventually, the book becomes a representation of his own life, “written before he had lived it” (93). Although he acknowledges the detrimental effects of the book by calling it “poisonous” (92), Dorian seeks to mold his life to that of the novel’s protagonist.
He purchases nine copies, each bound in a different color, which not only highlights Dorian’s vanity but also points out the destructive influence Lord Henry has had on the boy. By giving him the book, Lord Henry has nurtured Dorian’s sadistic tendencies and fueled the boy’s hedonistic desires. The inclusion of the yellow book and the damaging effects it has on Dorian act as a chilling warning, alerting readers of the dangers that come from blindingly following the words of others.
He purchases nine copies, each bound in a different color, which not only highlights Dorian’s vanity but also points out the destructive influence Lord Henry has had on the boy. By giving him the book, Lord Henry has nurtured Dorian’s sadistic tendencies and fueled the boy’s hedonistic desires. The inclusion of the yellow book and the damaging effects it has on Dorian act as a chilling warning, alerting readers of the dangers that come from blindingly following the words of others.
Drugs/Opium Dens
Drugs are the archetype of pleasure and sensory indulgence, both of which form the basic tenets of hedonism. After being introduced to the realm of decadence and sensuality, Dorian eagerly embraces drugs as a way to explore the world around him. The hypnotic effects of opium drag him into a surreal landscape, helping him elude the pesky grip of his own conscience. For Dorian, the drugs morph into an escape from reality and allow him to experience the epitome of gratification. The opium signifies his desperate attempt to hide the truth from himself; by ignoring his rapid downward spiral into absolute corruption, Dorian vainly hopes that it will have no impact on his life.
After murdering Basil, Dorian tries to ignore the pangs of guilt that occasionally wash over him. Yet despite his best efforts, he cannot rid himself of the faint remorse that tugs at his heart. Dorian does not explicitly describe his regret, but his listless, vacant attitude at a dinner party the following day hints at the underlying sorrow that imbues his soul. As a result, he attempts to evade his shame by falling into a drug-induced trance. He travels to an opium den in a sordid, filthy section of London, a setting which reflects Dorian’s repugnant soul and despicable state of mind.
After murdering Basil, Dorian tries to ignore the pangs of guilt that occasionally wash over him. Yet despite his best efforts, he cannot rid himself of the faint remorse that tugs at his heart. Dorian does not explicitly describe his regret, but his listless, vacant attitude at a dinner party the following day hints at the underlying sorrow that imbues his soul. As a result, he attempts to evade his shame by falling into a drug-induced trance. He travels to an opium den in a sordid, filthy section of London, a setting which reflects Dorian’s repugnant soul and despicable state of mind.