Summer Reading: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (4)

     The picture of Dorian Gray is a vivid example of Gothic text with its dark tone and the presence of the handsome, wealthy and mysterious male protagonist that has much resemblance to the romantic hero. However, Dorian appears to be more villain than a classic romantic protagonist. I was captivated by and related to Basil's character right from the beginning of the story through the misunderstanding between him and Lord Henry about his painting of Dorian Gray. It sometimes feels like the artists live in a completely different world where they have an alternative understanding of the reality. The inciting incident of the story feels hidden for while as it is just an innocent wish Dorian has after seeing his portrait. I think at some point everyone had wishes like that but Oscar Wild makes this wish come true which makes it not so innocent anymore. The immortal youth of Dorian Gray is in the core of making the story an example of a supernatural Gothic genre. Lord Henry amuses and scares me at the same time due to his convincing language and the evil influence he has on Dorian Gray. He has the qualities of a leader and could direct his skills to create a better life instead of turning an innocence to evil. First, I only blamed Henry for evoking all the negative in this bright, innocent man that had and refused to see that eagerly accepts the evil fed by Lord Henry. Like his last name Dorian is a gray character that could be led to white or black and Sibyl unlike Henry is the representation of his struggle to thrive and be a better man. Here as well Henry tries to keep Dorian away from the light by questioning the meaning of marriage and planting doubt in his heart. Even after Sibyl’s suicide and the distortion of the painting there is still a light of hope that Dorian may stay on the right path and that his soul is not lost but the real disaster is the murder of Basil which symbolizes the denial from any kind of help to get out of this trap called eternal youth and carrying the secret of the painting. Even before Dorian’s transformation to his real self I perceived him as that horrifying, heartless creature and felt sorry for those around him tricked by his appearance. “The Picture or Dorian Gray” leaves me with the phrase of being afraid of my dreams, they might come true. It is always crucial to remember that nothing is worth the degradation of the soul if you have to sacrifice all the good to get what you desire. Gray gets a warning through the first signs of the distortion of the painting which he ignores and instead of solving the problem hides it, then a second chance through Basil who urges him to pray for his soul which he ignores as well by killing him thus making the tragic final of his story inevitable.