The Importance Of Evil In The Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde

991 Words2 Pages

In a society where we must constantly uphold an appearance, eternal youth seems to be something everyone longs for. Some things however, are too good to be true. Explored within The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde are the consequences of this idea. Consumed with evil, the title character seizes to age. Halting him from displaying a single imperfection, leading to his ultimate destruction. The man who holds responsibility in the main character's downfall comes into question. While Lord Henry, the main antagonist, is partially to blame, he merely serves as a beginning to Dorians twisted road of wickedness. Given a multitude of chances to change, the man refuses, constantly denying his moral failings and knowingly ruining lives. Therefore Although the painting changes, he seldom seeks to place blame on himself. It is Basil's discussion with Dorian reveals turley reveals nature of his reputation. His “friendship [is] fatal to young men” and has led to suicide, murder and public shame (Wilde 111). Even more troubling is Grays lack of remorse. He ceases contact with an old friend “Sir Henry Ashton who had to leave England, with a tarnished name” (Wilde 110). The two were known as great friends, but seized communication. Moreover, Dorians fleeting superficial love for Sybil Vane ended with a tragedy of his own doing and, after a brief period of mourning, rationalizes the situation. The same day of him learning about her death, he visits the Opera. Wishing his friends came along. Basil wonders how his friend could ever attend “the Opera, while Sybil Vane was lying dead” (Wilde 79). Dorian responds sharply, refusing to hear anything Hallward says. These examples of denial only further prove what little regard Gray has for other people's lives. Even the ones he claimed to hold dear. To summarize, the source of Dorian's downfall is unclear. However, of the accused, the most at fault is Gray himself. His vulnerable age causes him to blindly listen to Lord Henry and form unoriginal opinions. He lacks initiative to change his broken ways, and denies any responsibility in harming others; hence these self destructive behaviors furthering his corruption. Wilde demonstrates not only how influence may shatter one's life, but how youth and innocence shape our way of perceiving and handling information. Dorian's downfall is the product of his own

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