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.