How Did The Yellow Book Influence Dorian Gray

In The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Dorian Gray slowly becomes more influenced by things and people around him. Eventually, Lord Henry gifts him with a book describing a wealthy man’s pursuit of aesthetically and sensually pleasing items. “The yellow book” has a much stronger effect on Dorian Gray’s perception of beauty than Lord Henry Wotton does. Although it can be argued that Lord Henry introduced Dorian to the idea of aestheticism, the “yellow book” drives Dorian to live a life full of it, and changes his focus. Dorian shows the fact that he is not strongly influenced by Lord Henry through his interactions with Sibyl. Contrary to this, Oscar Wilde illustrates the substantial influence the yellow book has on Dorian by one, the

The text states “For years, Dorian Gray could not free himself from the influence of this book. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that he never sought to free himself from it.” (Wilde 112). Dorian was given the book by Lord Henry, read it and fell in love with it. His enjoyment and passion towards the book was so great, he proceeded to purchase “nine large-paper copies” Dorian then “had them bound in different colors, so they might suit his moods.” (Wilde 112). This is only the beginning of the obsession Dorian has to the yellow

An example of one thing he became suddenly attached to is music, and instruments. It is stated that “At another time he devoted himself entirely to music... ” (Wilde 118). Wilde starts to explain Dorian’s new obsession with music and artifacts pertaining to it, to the reader. “The mysterious juruparis of the Rio Negro Indians” (Wilde 118) and “Alfonso de Ovalle” (Wilde 118) are two of many examples of Dorian’s new collectables in the music category that he has acquired for the sole purpose of pleasing his senses. Another item Dorian finds himself collecting is jewelry. He spends his time traveling, collecting various stones, such as “the olive-green chrysoberyl that turns red by lamplight, the cymophane with its wire-like line of silver…” (Wilde 119). Dorian’s sudden attachment to sensually pleasing items right after being introduced to the yellow book is no coincidence. It shows the power the book already has on Dorian. It is changing his lifestyle and his perception of beauty.

The yellow book has a stronger influence on Dorian Gray than Lord Henry does. It is proven through Dorian’s attachment to the book, the obvious lack of effect Lord Henry has on Dorian, and his sudden change in lifestyle due to the teachings of the book. In these three actions, Dorian is able to disprove Lord Henry’s influence while