The Picture of Dorian Gray
Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' is set during the late nineteenth century England, a period marked with the exceeding importance of social stature and personal image.
The protagonist, Dorian Gray, rises as the archetype of male youth. His aristocracy and stunning beauty enthral his surroundings. He often poses for Basil Hallward, an artist of great talent whose art is inspired by Dorian's charisma. While Basil's most prodigious painting is in the midst of being completed, Dorian is introduced to Lord Henry Wotton, a cynical philosopher and skilful orator. Dorian is easily seduced by his manipulative tongue and his scornful theories. Wotton envisions fashioning, corrupting the vulnerable boy into an unrelenting hedonist. Through him, Dorian faces the harsh realisation that his physical attributes are ever fading. Upon this sudden insight, he dreads the physical burden of ageing. He envies the perpetual attractiveness of Basil's masterpiece. "...If it were only the other way! If it were I who was to be always young, and the picture that was to grow old! For that - for that - I would give everything! Yes, there is nothing in the whole world I would not give! I would give my soul for that!" . The materialisation of this wish is in fact the most important issue in this novel.
Dorian's figure remains immaculate while the picture bears his transformation. This is first confirmed following his amorous relationship with Sibyl Vane, an actress he meets at an infamous theatre. Like him, she is characterised by an entrancing beauty and a youthful naivety. Dorian invites Henry and Basil to the theatre, but they all are embarrassed by Sibyl's artificial performance.
In a fit of anger Dorian reluctantly reprimands his fiance. "…You are shallow and stupid. My God! How mad I was to love you! What a fool I have been! You are nothing to me now…" . This leads to her suicide. Upon returning to his home, he is surprised by a hideous discovery: his portrait had changed,his beauty is now full of anger and cruelty.
The complete denial of responsibility in Sibyl's death is the beginning of his moral degradation. He relishes in observing the mutilation of the picture, thus his soul. His further meetings with Henry simply magnify this descent into profligacy. "...You were the most unspoiled creature in the whole world. Now, I don't know what has come over you. You talk as if you had no heart, no pity in you. It is all Harry's influence. I see that…" From then on, Dorian progressively mingles with sin; provoking scandals, visiting opium dens and frequenting prostitutes.
Dorian often gazes at the painting with horror, but is unable to divert from this lifestyle, aroused by its wickedness.. "...He knew that he had tarnished himself, filled his mind with corruption, and given horror to his fancy; that he had been an evil influence to others, and had experienced a terrible joy in being so…"
Dorian's fear of his predicament being discovered grows as the picture alters with every misdeed. Although it is hidden from prying eyes, the bareness of his soul is ever present in his mind. His hot-tempered murder of Basil signifies the peak of his immoral demeanor.
In the end Dorian tries to destroy the picture but instead of "killing" the paint he manage to kill himself.
Jilaveanu Roxana, X F1
