PODG #5 Analysis

            Lord Henry’s continuous influence over Dorian Gray clearly takes a toll on how Dorian views life; by presenting Dorian with the novel, Lord Henry is able to complete his ultimate mission of brainwashing Dorian into an avatar of misconstrued proportions. The book Lord Henry gives Dorian causes a sudden engagement into the book Dorian “never sought to free himself from it” (Wilde 130). The book had influenced him to aspire to new heights throughout the years. Dorian also mentions that he, on occasion, viewed himself through the main character of the book. Ultimately, Wilde relates that “Dorian Gray had been poisoned by a book. There were moments when he looked on evil simply as a mode through which he could realize his conception of the beautiful” (150). Through Lord Henry’s constant influence, Dorian remarks to Basil regarding Henry’s influence over Dorian, stating that “You have not realized how I have developed. I was a schoolboy when you knew me. I am a man now. I have new passions, new thoughts, new ideas” (114). Henry’s constant influence over Dorian has shaped him into a symbol of paradoxical elements. Dorian influences others by his sheer beauty, yet he hides his inner degradation by physically locking away Basil’s portrait. Previously, prior to Dorian witnessing the alteration in the portrait, Dorian was classified as a blank slate, or an individual who has not learned what life truly is. Lord Henry attempts to manipulate Dorian’s young mind into a misconstrued individual of misconstrued perfection. In other words, Dorian allows Lord Henry to cast over his dire influence while Dorian conflicts between the portrait and his physical being.