Transformation By Hetvi Mehta
In the exposition of the novel Dorian Gray is portrayed as a opulent, handsome, innocent, and transparent minded person. As time progresses, he is altered into a gruesome and narcissistic human being due to the influence of Lord Henry's pernicious philosophies. He started to change his morals when he met Lord Henry. He was planting seed of corruption and devious thoughts into Dorian's mind. At this point, he was becoming a completely different person. However, this transformation was not forced nor was it inevitable. Dorian could have easily said no to Lord Henry, he has the choice of picking weather or not he wants to keep his friendship. Furthermore, his transformation was not inevitable. It is not hard to fall into Lord Henry's trap that leads a path to ultimate destruction and Dorian is clearly one of the victims; but, Basil was able to avoid it and still hold onto his morals. This exemplifies that Dorian did have a choice in making the decision that will determine the type of life he will live. Dorian's actions have a chain reaction to others in society. He is using his charming looks to transform innocent lives and leading them to corruption, which is ultimately preventing them from developing into idealistic human beings. Throughout the novel it is trying to depict the message that transformation is an inexorable process. This is exemplified in the novel when Lord Henry says "to cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul. You are a wonderful creation. You know more than you think you know, just as you know less than you want to know". This evokes a plethora of emotions inside of Dorian. He is eager to cure his soul by living is a life filled with only materialistic pleasures, a life where he wouldn't have to endure any sorrow. Lord Henry's voice is alluring and promising that Dorian is desperately craving the knowledge as to how he can attain such a flawless life. Furthermore, he is curious on what the emotions that Lord Henry stirring up inside of him would feel like once he implemented them into actions. This marks the beginning of his influence on Dorian which leads to his transformation.