Characterization And Symbolism In 'The Picture Of Dorian Gray'
Influence is our greatest downfall is the theme presented in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The characterization of characters and symbols present this theme throughout the novel.
Dorian Gray’s characterization illustrates the theme throughout the story. At the beginning he is a charming, innocent young man who does not care so much about his looks. He then meets Lord Henry Wotton who severely influences his views and outlook on life. Lord Henry explains to Dorian that his looks are everything. Once he loses them, he will be and have nothing. Lord Henry tells him to live life to its fullest now and do things that pleasure him because once he has lost his looks, he will no longer have the opportunity. As Dorian examines the finished portrait of himself he realizes that Lord Henry is right about his looks and becomes resentful of the painting, angry that it will continue to look youthful while he slowly deteriorates. He pledges to sell his soul in order to stay beautiful while the painting takes on his altering features. Dorian then begins to …show more content…
Basil is greatly influenced by Dorian Gray, who was his inspiration for the painting that causes all the conflicts of the novel. When Basil met Dorian Gray he became so captivated by him that it influenced him to make many paintings of him. Basil does everything in his power to keep Dorian the way he is by telling him to not listen to Lord Henry, to no avail. Furthermore, when Dorian became upset over the fact that the picture would stay forever youthful and he would not, Basil was prepared to destroy the painting just for Dorian. Dorian’s reaction to the painting influenced Basil’s actions. As the years go by, as Dorian’s personality changes for the worse, Basil still believes that there is still good in him. Basil believed that Dorian was the same innocent man he met many years ago up until the moment he was murdered by
Dorian Gray’s characterization illustrates the theme throughout the story. At the beginning he is a charming, innocent young man who does not care so much about his looks. He then meets Lord Henry Wotton who severely influences his views and outlook on life. Lord Henry explains to Dorian that his looks are everything. Once he loses them, he will be and have nothing. Lord Henry tells him to live life to its fullest now and do things that pleasure him because once he has lost his looks, he will no longer have the opportunity. As Dorian examines the finished portrait of himself he realizes that Lord Henry is right about his looks and becomes resentful of the painting, angry that it will continue to look youthful while he slowly deteriorates. He pledges to sell his soul in order to stay beautiful while the painting takes on his altering features. Dorian then begins to …show more content…
Basil is greatly influenced by Dorian Gray, who was his inspiration for the painting that causes all the conflicts of the novel. When Basil met Dorian Gray he became so captivated by him that it influenced him to make many paintings of him. Basil does everything in his power to keep Dorian the way he is by telling him to not listen to Lord Henry, to no avail. Furthermore, when Dorian became upset over the fact that the picture would stay forever youthful and he would not, Basil was prepared to destroy the painting just for Dorian. Dorian’s reaction to the painting influenced Basil’s actions. As the years go by, as Dorian’s personality changes for the worse, Basil still believes that there is still good in him. Basil believed that Dorian was the same innocent man he met many years ago up until the moment he was murdered by