“‘Art has no influence upon action. It annihilates the desire to act’” (224).
Most, if not all of Lord Henry’s theories have been known to be true in the cynical sense. However, this quotation proves to be his most erroneous claim yet. Art has been of great importance to Lord Henry and Dorian; it is evident that aestheticism is something they care deeply about. The portrait, a form of art, is a contradiction to this statement. Upon viewing his self portrait for the first time, Dorian immediately made a bargain: “’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 anything! … I would give my soul for that!’” (28). As seen here, the portrait definitely did not annihilate Dorian’s desire to make that dreadful bargain. In the end, we see just how much of a negative influence art has on their lives contrary to Lord Henry’s unsubstantial beliefs.
“A cry of pain and indignation broke from him. He could see no change, save that in the eyes there was a look of cunning, and in the mouth the curved wrinkle of the hypocrite” (227).
This quotation ultimately sums up the many disputes that we had in class over the topic of change within a person. Half of the class believed that people can change while the other half argued that you are simply what you are. The quotation above definitely supports the claim that one cannot necessarily change. Despite Dorian’s promise to change, his conscious remained unchanged demonstrating his inability to change who he is. Though one can never change, this does not mean one can simply continue being a bad person. They should try and change but simultaneously accept the fact that deep inside, they will remain the same person.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
DG: Pg. 189-214
"though forgiveness was impossible, forgetfulness was possible still, and he was determined to forget" (189).
It is frustrating to witness Dorian self-destruct as he continues to carry the overwhelming burden of guilt on his shoulders. Above, it is evident that Dorian misunderstands the concept of forgiveness. God has always taught us to forgive and forget, therefore our confessions to God will be forgiven and forgotten as well. There is no timeline on when one can seek redemption and Dimmesdale is a prominent example of one who found salvation after seven years. When Basil told Dorian to pray, he believed that it was too late and he continues to proclaim that it is too late. His method of solely forgetting is obviously not working as he struggles internally with the guilt of his sins.
"'From a label there is no escape" (199).
This is probably one of the few ideas expressed by Lord Henry that makes perfect sense and can also be defended. Not only is this true but this statement can be seen as possible foreshadowing to Dorian's ill-fated end. In the previous chapter, Dorian was confronted by Sibyl Vane's brother but was able to weasel his way out of dying by showing his youth. After 18 years of searching for him, James Vane was able to locate him by overhearing someone call him by the name he'd been known by: Prince Charming. Ultimately, that was his label and even after 18 years he could not escape that title. He might of been able to avoid his death at that moment but there is no escaping it: "the consciousness of being hunted, snared, tracked down, had begun to dominate him" (205). Even he realizes that there is a major possibility that he has not seen the last of James Vane. Considering the use of the word 'dominate', it is also a clue that this is something that will not go away.
It is frustrating to witness Dorian self-destruct as he continues to carry the overwhelming burden of guilt on his shoulders. Above, it is evident that Dorian misunderstands the concept of forgiveness. God has always taught us to forgive and forget, therefore our confessions to God will be forgiven and forgotten as well. There is no timeline on when one can seek redemption and Dimmesdale is a prominent example of one who found salvation after seven years. When Basil told Dorian to pray, he believed that it was too late and he continues to proclaim that it is too late. His method of solely forgetting is obviously not working as he struggles internally with the guilt of his sins.
"'From a label there is no escape" (199).
This is probably one of the few ideas expressed by Lord Henry that makes perfect sense and can also be defended. Not only is this true but this statement can be seen as possible foreshadowing to Dorian's ill-fated end. In the previous chapter, Dorian was confronted by Sibyl Vane's brother but was able to weasel his way out of dying by showing his youth. After 18 years of searching for him, James Vane was able to locate him by overhearing someone call him by the name he'd been known by: Prince Charming. Ultimately, that was his label and even after 18 years he could not escape that title. He might of been able to avoid his death at that moment but there is no escaping it: "the consciousness of being hunted, snared, tracked down, had begun to dominate him" (205). Even he realizes that there is a major possibility that he has not seen the last of James Vane. Considering the use of the word 'dominate', it is also a clue that this is something that will not go away.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
DG: Pg. 179-188
“Those finely shaped fingers could never have clutched a knife for sin, nor those smiting lips have cried out God and goodness” (179).
This recurring theme regarding physical appearance has been demonstrated throughout the book. We, the readers have shunned those who believe beautiful people are incapable of committing horrific acts. This concept is clearly erroneous; a prime example is Dorian Gray. On the contrary, looking at it from a different standpoint, one can see how this quotation is actually valid. Going back to the previous chapters, we read that Dorian was ultimately being influenced by the portrait: “Dorian Gray glanced at the picture, and suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though it had been suggested by the image on the canvas, whispered into his ears by those grinning lips” (162). Immediately after that, Dorian stabbed and murdered Basil. Remaining consistent with the context, it seems as though Dorian’s portrait killed Basil – not Dorian.
“’Yes’, he answered. Then he bit his lip. ‘No I don’t mean that. I didn’t go to the club. I walked about. I forgot what I did … How inquisitive you are, Harry!’” (186).
This quotation is extremely humorous. It exemplifies Dorian’s incapability when it comes to keeping a secret. Fort the last few chapters, Dorian has declared himself apart from the real world by evading his emotions and choosing to deal with situations when necessary. However, this quotation proves that Dorian cannot dodge the things life has to offer. He thought he could escape his sin and emotions but her later found that he could not: “the sense of terror he thought he had strangled had come back to him” (187). Therefore, if Dorian is unable to defeat his unwanted emotions, his decision to trade his soul for everlasting beauty was pointless.
This recurring theme regarding physical appearance has been demonstrated throughout the book. We, the readers have shunned those who believe beautiful people are incapable of committing horrific acts. This concept is clearly erroneous; a prime example is Dorian Gray. On the contrary, looking at it from a different standpoint, one can see how this quotation is actually valid. Going back to the previous chapters, we read that Dorian was ultimately being influenced by the portrait: “Dorian Gray glanced at the picture, and suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though it had been suggested by the image on the canvas, whispered into his ears by those grinning lips” (162). Immediately after that, Dorian stabbed and murdered Basil. Remaining consistent with the context, it seems as though Dorian’s portrait killed Basil – not Dorian.
“’Yes’, he answered. Then he bit his lip. ‘No I don’t mean that. I didn’t go to the club. I walked about. I forgot what I did … How inquisitive you are, Harry!’” (186).
This quotation is extremely humorous. It exemplifies Dorian’s incapability when it comes to keeping a secret. Fort the last few chapters, Dorian has declared himself apart from the real world by evading his emotions and choosing to deal with situations when necessary. However, this quotation proves that Dorian cannot dodge the things life has to offer. He thought he could escape his sin and emotions but her later found that he could not: “the sense of terror he thought he had strangled had come back to him” (187). Therefore, if Dorian is unable to defeat his unwanted emotions, his decision to trade his soul for everlasting beauty was pointless.
Monday, March 22, 2010
DG: Pg. 166-178
“He was determined that he would not think about what had happened until it became absolutely necessary that he should do so” (167).
It is mind boggling as to how insensitive Dorian has been since he’s murdered Basil. The man he once referred to as his true friend was suddenly being degraded to a worthless item: “[Dorian] could not help seeing the dead thing. How still it was!” (164). This ‘thing’ & ‘it’ he refers to is his reference to Basil. This concept/idea Dorian has developed that makes him try & avoid dealing with emotions has gone too far. It has turned him into a monster. It is unknown whether Dorian will ever deal with this situation, because now is definitely the time to think about it.
“[Alan Campbell] was an excellent musician … it was music that had first brought him and Dorian Gray together” (170).
A recurring theme has become evident throughout the book subtly and lucidly as well. Art has definitely proven to be the major basis of this text, especially for the main character, Dorian Gray. Another pattern that has begun to unravel is the type of people Dorian associates himself with. Dorian loves art so much that he finds himself acquainted with different artists. His first known intimate relationship was with Basil Hallward, the painter. His first intimate relationship aka girlfriend was the actress, Sibyl Vane. Lastly, his close friendship with Alan Campbell, who is a musician, was revealed. It seems as though Dorian connects better with these artists however it is ironic that the few people he can actually connect with don’t even last in a friendship with Dorian. All these artists have been eradicated out of Dorian’s life one way or another, yet Lord Henry is still around.
It is mind boggling as to how insensitive Dorian has been since he’s murdered Basil. The man he once referred to as his true friend was suddenly being degraded to a worthless item: “[Dorian] could not help seeing the dead thing. How still it was!” (164). This ‘thing’ & ‘it’ he refers to is his reference to Basil. This concept/idea Dorian has developed that makes him try & avoid dealing with emotions has gone too far. It has turned him into a monster. It is unknown whether Dorian will ever deal with this situation, because now is definitely the time to think about it.
“[Alan Campbell] was an excellent musician … it was music that had first brought him and Dorian Gray together” (170).
A recurring theme has become evident throughout the book subtly and lucidly as well. Art has definitely proven to be the major basis of this text, especially for the main character, Dorian Gray. Another pattern that has begun to unravel is the type of people Dorian associates himself with. Dorian loves art so much that he finds himself acquainted with different artists. His first known intimate relationship was with Basil Hallward, the painter. His first intimate relationship aka girlfriend was the actress, Sibyl Vane. Lastly, his close friendship with Alan Campbell, who is a musician, was revealed. It seems as though Dorian connects better with these artists however it is ironic that the few people he can actually connect with don’t even last in a friendship with Dorian. All these artists have been eradicated out of Dorian’s life one way or another, yet Lord Henry is still around.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
DG: Pg. 151-165
“‘Dorian, with your pure, bright, innocent face, and your marvelous, untroubled youth – I can’t believe anything against you’” (154).
It is not surprising that Basil refuses to believe anything wrongly said about Dorian. It has been made clear countless times that Basil is very much in love with Dorian. However, his reasons behind why he doesn’t believe these things are surprising. The only reasons he listed why were solely about his physical appearance. One’s physical appearance seems to tell a person a lot about them, according to this text. Out of all these simple-minded people, you would think Basil would not yield to this idea, however he has. It is very disappointing and it was ultimately foreshadowing his imminent loss.
“‘You [Basil] are the one man in the world who is entitled to know everything about me. You have had more to do with my life than you think’” (159).
Dorian is correct in his first statement, Basil has EVERY right to know the answers to the many questions he has asked him. However, he is somewhat incorrect in his second statement. Basil has had a little bit of involvement in Dorian’s life but it is Lord Henry who has had the most to do with how Dorian has turned out. All Basil did was paint his portrait; it was Lord Henry who forced him to believe that beauty is the only thing he must hold onto. Because he has yielded to Lord Henry, he fails to see that it is not necessarily Basil’s fault for the way things turned out. It is unclear whether Dorian will ever learn that or not.
It is not surprising that Basil refuses to believe anything wrongly said about Dorian. It has been made clear countless times that Basil is very much in love with Dorian. However, his reasons behind why he doesn’t believe these things are surprising. The only reasons he listed why were solely about his physical appearance. One’s physical appearance seems to tell a person a lot about them, according to this text. Out of all these simple-minded people, you would think Basil would not yield to this idea, however he has. It is very disappointing and it was ultimately foreshadowing his imminent loss.
“‘You [Basil] are the one man in the world who is entitled to know everything about me. You have had more to do with my life than you think’” (159).
Dorian is correct in his first statement, Basil has EVERY right to know the answers to the many questions he has asked him. However, he is somewhat incorrect in his second statement. Basil has had a little bit of involvement in Dorian’s life but it is Lord Henry who has had the most to do with how Dorian has turned out. All Basil did was paint his portrait; it was Lord Henry who forced him to believe that beauty is the only thing he must hold onto. Because he has yielded to Lord Henry, he fails to see that it is not necessarily Basil’s fault for the way things turned out. It is unclear whether Dorian will ever learn that or not.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
DG: Pg. 130-150
"He would think of the ruin he had brought upon his soul, with a pity that was all the more poignant because it was purely selfish. But moments such as these were rare" (131).
He always seems to have revelations or epiphanies, this being one of them, but they're immediately shot down by the influence of Lord Henry. Earlier, when Sibyl died he claimed that he had killed her in a figurative sense. Then later one, he claims that he did not kill her. It is sad and we will ultimately see the ruin of Dorian all thanks to Lord Henry.
"to him [Dorian] Life itself was the first, the greatest, of the arts, and for it all the other arts seemed to be but a preparation" (132).
This is a great point that is very much valid. However, the only problem is that it is a belief of Dorian's. It is no longer valid, because he contradicts himself. Here, he is expressing the significance of life by comparing it to art and it is evident that life is of great importance to him since art is. Yet, he is not even living! Life is actually real, not based on art and is full of emotions. It is obvious that Dorian has refuted all the components that make life what it is, therefore he cannot really appreciate life. Dorian Gray is simply existing.
He always seems to have revelations or epiphanies, this being one of them, but they're immediately shot down by the influence of Lord Henry. Earlier, when Sibyl died he claimed that he had killed her in a figurative sense. Then later one, he claims that he did not kill her. It is sad and we will ultimately see the ruin of Dorian all thanks to Lord Henry.
"to him [Dorian] Life itself was the first, the greatest, of the arts, and for it all the other arts seemed to be but a preparation" (132).
This is a great point that is very much valid. However, the only problem is that it is a belief of Dorian's. It is no longer valid, because he contradicts himself. Here, he is expressing the significance of life by comparing it to art and it is evident that life is of great importance to him since art is. Yet, he is not even living! Life is actually real, not based on art and is full of emotions. It is obvious that Dorian has refuted all the components that make life what it is, therefore he cannot really appreciate life. Dorian Gray is simply existing.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
DG: Pg. 111-129
"'If you wish me never to look at your picture again, I am content. I have always you to look at ... Your friendship is dearer to me'" (117).
Basil's statement is reminiscent of Sibyl's proclamation to Dorian. Both Basil and Sibyl made the separation between art and reality that Dorian fails to see. In contrast to Dorian, Basil has made clear just how insignificant art is to him, just as Sibyl did. In both cases, Dorian means a lot more than art, however it is evident that Dorian does not agree with this. We saw how crude he reacted after Sibyl's confession, so his reaction to Basil's statement was expected. After Basil confessed his reasons for concealing the picture, Dorian proclaimed that "it was a very disappointing confession" (119). I am confident that as long as Basil keeps making the distinction between art and reality, eventually Dorian will realize how much more important realism is.
"The love that he bore him [Basil] - had nothing in it that was not noble and intellectual. It was not that mere physical admiration of beauty that is born of the senses" (122).
Despite Dorian's many claims stating that Lord Henry is a better friend, it is evident here that he has actually made a deeper connection with Basil. Now he is starting to realize the importance of his and Basil's relationship over his and Lord Henry's. Dorian's friendship to Lord Henry is simply based on his admiration for Lord Henry's boldness and outstanding theories. Here, for the first time, Dorian is appreciating something internal rather than externally like he did for Sibyl and continues to do for Lord Henry.
Basil's statement is reminiscent of Sibyl's proclamation to Dorian. Both Basil and Sibyl made the separation between art and reality that Dorian fails to see. In contrast to Dorian, Basil has made clear just how insignificant art is to him, just as Sibyl did. In both cases, Dorian means a lot more than art, however it is evident that Dorian does not agree with this. We saw how crude he reacted after Sibyl's confession, so his reaction to Basil's statement was expected. After Basil confessed his reasons for concealing the picture, Dorian proclaimed that "it was a very disappointing confession" (119). I am confident that as long as Basil keeps making the distinction between art and reality, eventually Dorian will realize how much more important realism is.
"The love that he bore him [Basil] - had nothing in it that was not noble and intellectual. It was not that mere physical admiration of beauty that is born of the senses" (122).
Despite Dorian's many claims stating that Lord Henry is a better friend, it is evident here that he has actually made a deeper connection with Basil. Now he is starting to realize the importance of his and Basil's relationship over his and Lord Henry's. Dorian's friendship to Lord Henry is simply based on his admiration for Lord Henry's boldness and outstanding theories. Here, for the first time, Dorian is appreciating something internal rather than externally like he did for Sibyl and continues to do for Lord Henry.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
DG: Pg. 85-110
"'I loved you because you were marvelous, because you had genius and intellect, because you realized the dreams of great poets and gave shape and substance to the shadows of art'" (91).
I knew it! It was obvious that Dorian was not in love with Sibyl for the right reasons. Whenever he highly of her in admiration, he would speak about her on stage. Not once did he mention how she was in reality. On the other hand, Sibyl was madly in love with Dorian. When Sibyl failed to act up to par that night, Dorian failed to see why he loved her beyond her acting, ultimately dismissing her. This is another demonstration of Dorian's superficiality and his obsession with appearance. Previously he stated that he would give his soul just to remain handsome for the rest of his life and hear Dorian lashes out at Sibyl, because her compelling appearance on stage has vanished.
"'She [Sibyl] explained it all to me ... I thought her shallow'" (103).
It is unfortunate that Sibyl took her life because of this man, however a tragedy was imminent considering their situation. This statement seems absurd, because if anything Dorian was the one being shallow, he broke up with Sibyl, because she failed to be as artistic as she had always been. However, one must look at this from the point of view of Dorian. It has become evident that art is of great significance to Dorian (Basil's portrait, Sibyl's performances), therefore he rids himself free of reality and ultimately lives in an artistic world. As a result, Sibyl's horrible performance devastated him and that is the reason for his crude reaction.
I knew it! It was obvious that Dorian was not in love with Sibyl for the right reasons. Whenever he highly of her in admiration, he would speak about her on stage. Not once did he mention how she was in reality. On the other hand, Sibyl was madly in love with Dorian. When Sibyl failed to act up to par that night, Dorian failed to see why he loved her beyond her acting, ultimately dismissing her. This is another demonstration of Dorian's superficiality and his obsession with appearance. Previously he stated that he would give his soul just to remain handsome for the rest of his life and hear Dorian lashes out at Sibyl, because her compelling appearance on stage has vanished.
"'She [Sibyl] explained it all to me ... I thought her shallow'" (103).
It is unfortunate that Sibyl took her life because of this man, however a tragedy was imminent considering their situation. This statement seems absurd, because if anything Dorian was the one being shallow, he broke up with Sibyl, because she failed to be as artistic as she had always been. However, one must look at this from the point of view of Dorian. It has become evident that art is of great significance to Dorian (Basil's portrait, Sibyl's performances), therefore he rids himself free of reality and ultimately lives in an artistic world. As a result, Sibyl's horrible performance devastated him and that is the reason for his crude reaction.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
DG: Pg. 65-84
"There was jealousy in [James]'s heart, and a fierce, murderous hatred of the stranger who, as it seemed to him , had come between them" (74).
At first, Jim's over-protective nature over his sister seemed natural. It is natural for a brother to feel bothered by their sister being in love with someone. However, Jim takes this feeling of annoyance to another level. He is more than just upset, he is jealous, angry, and has an urge to kill Dorian. This is worrying and his reaction to her new found love is uncomprehending. It makes one wonder if there are under lying feelings that Jim may have for his sister.
"'You should have seen her ... She wore a moss-colored velvet jerkin with cinnamon sleeves ... She has never seemed so exquisite'" (80).
This is just a small segment of what Dorian thought of Sibyl. He continued to go on a tangent of all her wonderful qualities on stage. It seems as though Dorian has actually fell in love with the characters Sibyl portrays. The only time Dorian speaks of her excessively and with infatuation is when he is speaking of her acting on stage. Another thing to pay attention to is how much and how thoroughly Dorian describes the quality of Sibyl's clothes. Appearance is of great significance to Dorian, as well as wealth. However, it was made clear that Sibyl is not wealthy whatsoever. Therefore, their potential marriage may already be at risk.
At first, Jim's over-protective nature over his sister seemed natural. It is natural for a brother to feel bothered by their sister being in love with someone. However, Jim takes this feeling of annoyance to another level. He is more than just upset, he is jealous, angry, and has an urge to kill Dorian. This is worrying and his reaction to her new found love is uncomprehending. It makes one wonder if there are under lying feelings that Jim may have for his sister.
"'You should have seen her ... She wore a moss-colored velvet jerkin with cinnamon sleeves ... She has never seemed so exquisite'" (80).
This is just a small segment of what Dorian thought of Sibyl. He continued to go on a tangent of all her wonderful qualities on stage. It seems as though Dorian has actually fell in love with the characters Sibyl portrays. The only time Dorian speaks of her excessively and with infatuation is when he is speaking of her acting on stage. Another thing to pay attention to is how much and how thoroughly Dorian describes the quality of Sibyl's clothes. Appearance is of great significance to Dorian, as well as wealth. However, it was made clear that Sibyl is not wealthy whatsoever. Therefore, their potential marriage may already be at risk.
DG: Pg. 47-64
"'Faithfulness is to the emotional life what consistency is to the life of the intellect - simply a confession of failure'" (53).
Here is another one of Lord Henry's philosophical and enlightening concepts. Despite his obscure way of thinking, it is apparent as to why he is so appealing and influential to Dorian. At first this correlation Lord Henry made did not make sense but it is actually true. In our society today, we observe the increasing divorce and school drop-out rates. Therefore, his idea was not only true back then but it is also still true today. He is very smart and his unique way of thinking will definitely be a deciding factor in regards to Dorian Gray's fate.
"Certainly few people had ever interested him so much as Dorian Gray, and yet the lad's mad adoration of someone else caused him not the slightest pang of annoyance or jealousy. He was pleased by it. It made him a more interesting study" (61).
Initially, it seemed as if Lord Henry was jealous of Dorian's new found love. When Lord Henry found out where Dorian was spending his evenings, he immediately stated, 'that is the reason, I suppose, that you never dine with me now' (58). This statement implied that he was a bit jealous of the fact that Dorian would rather spend time fantasizing over an actress than spend time dining with him. However, this implication was refuted and Lord Henry's further interest in Dorian is clear. Dorian stated that if it hadn't been for Lord Henry, he would have never met the actress, Sibyl Vane. Thus, it is natural as to why Lord Henry's interest for Dorian has increased. Dorian is equivalent to a sponge and Lord Henry is the water that Dorian continues to absorb and hold. Lord Henry is fascinated by it, because he has never met someone so easy to influence. Like I said before, Lord Henry will continue to be that voice in Dorian's head, ultimately deciding his fate.
Here is another one of Lord Henry's philosophical and enlightening concepts. Despite his obscure way of thinking, it is apparent as to why he is so appealing and influential to Dorian. At first this correlation Lord Henry made did not make sense but it is actually true. In our society today, we observe the increasing divorce and school drop-out rates. Therefore, his idea was not only true back then but it is also still true today. He is very smart and his unique way of thinking will definitely be a deciding factor in regards to Dorian Gray's fate.
"Certainly few people had ever interested him so much as Dorian Gray, and yet the lad's mad adoration of someone else caused him not the slightest pang of annoyance or jealousy. He was pleased by it. It made him a more interesting study" (61).
Initially, it seemed as if Lord Henry was jealous of Dorian's new found love. When Lord Henry found out where Dorian was spending his evenings, he immediately stated, 'that is the reason, I suppose, that you never dine with me now' (58). This statement implied that he was a bit jealous of the fact that Dorian would rather spend time fantasizing over an actress than spend time dining with him. However, this implication was refuted and Lord Henry's further interest in Dorian is clear. Dorian stated that if it hadn't been for Lord Henry, he would have never met the actress, Sibyl Vane. Thus, it is natural as to why Lord Henry's interest for Dorian has increased. Dorian is equivalent to a sponge and Lord Henry is the water that Dorian continues to absorb and hold. Lord Henry is fascinated by it, because he has never met someone so easy to influence. Like I said before, Lord Henry will continue to be that voice in Dorian's head, ultimately deciding his fate.
Monday, March 8, 2010
DG: Pg. 34-47
"He [Lord Henry] would seek to dominate [Dorian] - had already indeed, half done so" (40).
This comes as no surprise, this statement was already demonstrated upon Lord Henry and Dorian's initial meeting. It is obvious why Lord Henry takes an exceptional interest to Dorian Gray. Contrary to the strong-willed Basil, Dorian is much more naive and is more susceptible to being influenced by Lord Henry's ideas. Therefore, this is the reason why Lord Henry finds Dorian so appealing. It is almost reminiscent of the relationship between Tom and Myrtle in The Great Gatsby; Just as Tom felt the need of Myrtle to tickle his vanity, Lord Henry feels the same way.
This comes as no surprise, this statement was already demonstrated upon Lord Henry and Dorian's initial meeting. It is obvious why Lord Henry takes an exceptional interest to Dorian Gray. Contrary to the strong-willed Basil, Dorian is much more naive and is more susceptible to being influenced by Lord Henry's ideas. Therefore, this is the reason why Lord Henry finds Dorian so appealing. It is almost reminiscent of the relationship between Tom and Myrtle in The Great Gatsby; Just as Tom felt the need of Myrtle to tickle his vanity, Lord Henry feels the same way.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
DG: Pg. 3-33
"'The value of an idea has nothing whatsoever to do with the sincerity of the man who expresses it ... the more insincere the man is, the more purely intellectual will the idea be, as in that case it will not be colored by either his wants, his desires, or his prejudices'" (11).
Throughout Lord Henry and Basil's conversation, it is evident just how much they view the world differently, resulting in a clash of ideas. As a matter of fact, Lord Henry's ideas seem to contradict not only with Basil's but what most of society would normally believe. However, who's to say he's wrong? Above, he makes a bold statement that initially sounded ridiculous. After reading it again, the statement made sense. We live in a society where people are constantly being persuaded to express more emotion. Here, Lord Henry refutes that claiming that a person's statement becomes invalid once emotions are integrated. Sincerity is a form of emotion and it has an unnecessary purpose. This idea correlates to the bible passage, "let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no" (Mt. 5: 24). There is no need to bring in any factors, such as emotions. One should just say what they mean and mean what they say.
Throughout Lord Henry and Basil's conversation, it is evident just how much they view the world differently, resulting in a clash of ideas. As a matter of fact, Lord Henry's ideas seem to contradict not only with Basil's but what most of society would normally believe. However, who's to say he's wrong? Above, he makes a bold statement that initially sounded ridiculous. After reading it again, the statement made sense. We live in a society where people are constantly being persuaded to express more emotion. Here, Lord Henry refutes that claiming that a person's statement becomes invalid once emotions are integrated. Sincerity is a form of emotion and it has an unnecessary purpose. This idea correlates to the bible passage, "let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no" (Mt. 5: 24). There is no need to bring in any factors, such as emotions. One should just say what they mean and mean what they say.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
DG: Preface
It is evident that art is of great significance to this author and will be mentioned throughout the novel in some shape or form. Wilde speaks of the art behind art, if you will. He speaks very highly of artists, stating that they are the "creator of beautiful things" (Wilde 1). I get the impression that Wilde is not fond of an artist's audience or spectator. He refers to these spectators as 'critics'. One would assume that a 'critic' would appreciate genuine art just as an artist does, but Wilde brings up the possibility of one being corrupt if they find "ugly meanings in beautiful things" (1). The conclusions Wilde has drawn are extremely bias. He speaks very highly of art and even commences this preface with the statement that ALL art is beautiful. Along with that, he claims that one who fails to see the beautiful meaning in the beauty of art is corrupt. However, this is not accurate. The word beautiful is a subjective term but Wilde uses it from an objective standpoint, thus being the reason for his insubstantial statements.
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