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.