PODG #7 Analysis

            The sins Dorian have committed throughout the novel have created a representative façade of himself through his infamous position in society. The sole act of killing Basil Hallward established a devilish and fanatical identity, and as a result, Dorian’s corrupted soul is a direct product of the sins he has committed to both Basil and himself.

            The memory of murdering Basil evokes a fearful tangent Dorian pursues on in order to diminish the troubled, horror-stricken sins. As Dorian converses with Adrian Campbell in the outskirts of London, the memory of Basil Hallward has been continuously haunting Dorian ever since the act was committed. Oscar Wilde mentions that “Memory, like a horrible malady, was eating his soul away. From time to time he seemed to see the eyes of Basil Hallward looking at him” (193). Dorian recognizes his sins ever since he committed the murder, yet he wishes to escape these sins by the means of drugs. The fact that the “eyes of Basil Hallward” is periodically looking at Dorian symbolizes the foreshadowing of James Vane, Sibyl’s brother, and how he promised to kill the man that would destroy Sibyl.

The wish Dorian makes initially to Basil as he paints the portrait signifies the eventual degradation of Dorian. Dorian originally wishes for his youth to stay permanent while the picture altered. As a result, his wish is symbolized by what the prostitute exclaims to Dorian as he rushes out of the bar, saying “They say he has sold himself to the devil for a pretty face” (197). Dorian was originally willing to give his soul away to keep his natural, charming looks that society inevitably look up to. In reality, Dorian’s degradation altered his confidence, sanity, and more importantly, his view of what beauty is.

            Lord Henry ultimately relies on his sporadic comments in order to shed enlightenment on Dorian; instead, they cause Dorian to reflect upon his woeful sins. Lord Henry ultimately explains to Dorian that “Every effect that one produces gives one an enemy. To be popular one must be a mediocrity” (201). Henry indirectly describes Dorian’s infamous state in society by referring to it as an infamous figure in society. Dorian is well aware of his state in society due to the constant degradation he must face as the portrait dehumanizes itself in correspondence to Dorian’s sins. It must become clear to Dorian that the portrait will always dehumanize itself as long as Dorian stands true to his previously uttered wish. Unfortunately, Dorian is constantly reminded of his sins as Lord Henry and their guests are bewildered upon Dorian’s interesting charisma.