Dorian Gray
Left in the
care of his domineering grandfather after the tragic death of his parents,
Dorian progresses through childhood in a sheltered environment, spared from the
malice of humanity. Naïve and easily impressionable, Dorian appears blind to
the extent of his own beauty until a fateful encounter with the sarcastic Lord
Henry radically transforms his character. The nobleman’s poisonous words
instill arrogance and vanity within Dorian’s mind by emphasizing youth as the
only thing in the world worth having. Consequently, the young boy experiences
unbearable anxiety at the thought of his precious beauty fading away. Unable to
imagine his life without his exquisite looks, Dorian pledges his soul in
exchange for eternal youth, placing the burden of sin and age on his portrait
instead.
After he drives Sibyl Vane to suicide by callously rejecting her love, Dorian notices the rapid deterioration of his likeness with every crime he commits. He suddenly realizes that the picture is a reflection of his very soul. Yet rather than becoming alarmed by the destruction of his conscience, Dorian experiences a sadistic pleasure in watching the image atrophy with each passing day. He feels free to indulge his every whim without fearing damage that would otherwise be inflicted upon his gorgeous physique.
Dorian embraces the principles of aestheticism and hedonism by actively seeking every possible mode of pleasure without any regard to what society may think of his depraved habits. While many people condemn his allegedly corrupt conduct, men and women alike eagerly seek his companionship. However, Dorian corrupts most of his friends, causing them to gain tattered reputations and immoral ways. Although Dorian is largely unconcerned with the blackening of his soul, he is unable to shake the guilt and remorse he feels upon murdering his friend Basil. Despite repeated attempts at salvaging the vestiges of his conscience by engaging in good deeds, Dorian is unable to save himself from utter depravity.
After he drives Sibyl Vane to suicide by callously rejecting her love, Dorian notices the rapid deterioration of his likeness with every crime he commits. He suddenly realizes that the picture is a reflection of his very soul. Yet rather than becoming alarmed by the destruction of his conscience, Dorian experiences a sadistic pleasure in watching the image atrophy with each passing day. He feels free to indulge his every whim without fearing damage that would otherwise be inflicted upon his gorgeous physique.
Dorian embraces the principles of aestheticism and hedonism by actively seeking every possible mode of pleasure without any regard to what society may think of his depraved habits. While many people condemn his allegedly corrupt conduct, men and women alike eagerly seek his companionship. However, Dorian corrupts most of his friends, causing them to gain tattered reputations and immoral ways. Although Dorian is largely unconcerned with the blackening of his soul, he is unable to shake the guilt and remorse he feels upon murdering his friend Basil. Despite repeated attempts at salvaging the vestiges of his conscience by engaging in good deeds, Dorian is unable to save himself from utter depravity.