Deceptive Nature of Appearances by Richa Bisht
After being exposed to Lord Henry’s poisonous philosophies, Dorian becomes extremely egotistical and self-centered. Concerned only about the marvelous glory of his youth, Dorian participates in heinous crimes without any unease regarding the damage he is inflicting upon his soul. Knowing that his physique will remain flawless regardless of the sins he commits, Dorian willingly explores the realm of the vain and the depraved, eager to revel in every form of pleasure the world has to offer. With an air of objectivity and a disturbing degree of curiosity, he observes his likeness on the canvas morph into a hideous monster. As rumors about Dorian’s immoral tendencies float through the upper class, people begin to doubt the purity of his heart.
Nonetheless, in a society that adores beauty rather than the goodness of an individual’s heart, Dorian is still welcomed by London’s elite despite his innumerable debaucheries. Individuals naturally equate beauty with goodness; consequently, they assume that attractiveness ensures purity and innocence, while an ugly face virtually guarantees a soul filled with corruption and malice. People tend to make assumptions about a person’s moral character based on his/her external appearance, without bothering to delve beyond the surface. Similarly, many who had heard of Dorian’s corrupt ways seem unwilling to accept the fact that such a beautiful man could be capable of such despicable acts: “…his frank debonair manner, his charming boyish smile, and the infinite grace of that wonderful youth that seemed never to leave him, were in themselves a sufficient answer to the calumnies, for so they termed them, that were circulating about [Dorian]” (103 & 104). In spite of Dorian’s exquisite beauty, his soul is blackened beyond repair.
During a conversation with Dorian at an elegant dinner party, Lady Narborough’s passing remark emphasizes the fine line that supposedly exists between beauty and virtue: “Lord Henry is very wicked, and I sometimes wish that I had been; but you are made to be good – you look so good” (131). Dorian’s gorgeous exterior renders his allegedly depraved nature unfathomable. His charm and effortless good looks belie the horrid, disgusting creature that is reflected in the painting of his soul.
Nonetheless, in a society that adores beauty rather than the goodness of an individual’s heart, Dorian is still welcomed by London’s elite despite his innumerable debaucheries. Individuals naturally equate beauty with goodness; consequently, they assume that attractiveness ensures purity and innocence, while an ugly face virtually guarantees a soul filled with corruption and malice. People tend to make assumptions about a person’s moral character based on his/her external appearance, without bothering to delve beyond the surface. Similarly, many who had heard of Dorian’s corrupt ways seem unwilling to accept the fact that such a beautiful man could be capable of such despicable acts: “…his frank debonair manner, his charming boyish smile, and the infinite grace of that wonderful youth that seemed never to leave him, were in themselves a sufficient answer to the calumnies, for so they termed them, that were circulating about [Dorian]” (103 & 104). In spite of Dorian’s exquisite beauty, his soul is blackened beyond repair.
During a conversation with Dorian at an elegant dinner party, Lady Narborough’s passing remark emphasizes the fine line that supposedly exists between beauty and virtue: “Lord Henry is very wicked, and I sometimes wish that I had been; but you are made to be good – you look so good” (131). Dorian’s gorgeous exterior renders his allegedly depraved nature unfathomable. His charm and effortless good looks belie the horrid, disgusting creature that is reflected in the painting of his soul.