PODG #2 Analysis

The interaction between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry resembles an uncanny relationship between Basil and masterpiece of Dorian Gray. Despite Henry’s convincing nature of explicating the meaning of art and life to Dorian, the relationship Dorian has with Henry is clearly representative through the contrast of personalities and principles.

            Oscar Wilde characterizes Lord Henry as a reflective individual in regards to identifying Dorian Gray’s true nature. Gray believes that Basil offers “good advice” (Wilde 60) in the time that both Basil and Gray have known each other, yet Lord Henry believes otherwise. Basil originally reflected upon the fact that he had put in too much of himself while painting the portrait of Dorian Gray. In response to this, Henry argues with Gray that “People are very fond of giving away what they need most themselves. It is what I called the depth of generosity” (60). Henry originally wants Basil to publish the painting of Dorian Gray, and as a result, Basil argues that he simply as put in too much of his soul into it. Henry utilizes the same reasoning with Dorian’s obsession over Sibyl, who is Dorian’s unmistakable lover. The same reasoning applies to Dorian’s love for Sibyl because it represents the parallelism within the novel. This parallel structure signifies how art is appreciated more than its true value. In this case, Dorian is appreciating the actress without truly understanding her personality, similar to how Wilde refers to “Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril” (2). As Henry is arguing with Dorian, he believes that “The senses could refine, and the intellect could degrade” (62), explaining to Gray that Wilde’s original intent is wrong; believing in senses will actually enhance your emotions while intellectual capabilities will simply dawdle it.  The fact that Henry relates to this is contradicting Basil’s belief, thus resulting in a complexity within the three protagonists.