Corruption of Influence

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Dorian Gray, the protagonist in Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, is led to his downfall due to his naiveté and innocence, which allowed him to be easily influenced by Lord Henry’s suave wit and intellect. From his first encounter with Dorian, Lord Henry recognizes the potential for experimentation of his own ability to influence others. Dorian’s purity allows him to be instantly captivated by every word that Lord Henry says, so much so that he begins to view Lord Henry not only as a role model, but also as an ideal that he wishes to achieve for himself. As a result of this overwhelming desire to be like Lord Henry, Dorian allows him to guide his choices and decisions through Lord Henry’s philosophy on life and the yellow book. Lord Henry’s approach to life is both hedonistic and cynical, with his sole dedication being to the search of pleasure, which can only be satisfied by giving into temptations. The vital part of Lord Henry’s hedonist philosophy includes the search and adoration of the highest forms of beauty. It is for this reason that Lord Henry takes such a keen interest in Dorian, who is described by all, as the essence of physical beauty. He realizes that he has already captivated the young Dorian, and if he gains complete control, he can mould the perfect man. “With a subtle smile, Lord Henry watched him…He felt intensely interested. He was amazed at the sudden impression that his words had produced…” (Wilde, 20) However, the control that Lord Henry possesses over Dorian turns Dorian into a monster rather than the perfect man. Lord Henry’s corruption of Dorian begins when he prophetically states to Dorian that “there is no such thing as a good influence…all influence is immoral” (Wilde, 18). From this poi... ... middle of paper ... ...es the desire to act… The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame. That is all” (Wilde, 192). Dorian Gray is a prime example of a literary character brought down by the corruption of influence. Dorian’s innocence and purity make him an easy victim for those who have already been corrupted by influence. Lord Henry’s own corruption was brought about by the yellow book, which led him to seek out all that is pleasurable and beautiful in life. Dorian, the essence of physical beauty, was seen in Lord Henry’s eyes as just another object of pleasure. As a result, he felt no remorse over influencing Dorian’s life to the point of complete destruction. Had Lord Henry not seen the beauty in Dorian, Dorian would never have been influenced into living a hedonistic life, which ultimately led to the destruction of his body, mind and soul.

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