The Influence of Lord Henry in The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wil

In analyzing Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray, concepts such as influence and the stock of evil in Dorian Gray play an exceptionally valuable role in understanding the motives of the characters. Although some critics argue characters such as victor Kelso world-shakingly influence Dorians corruption, master key hydrogen Wottons toxic personality undeniably impacts Dorian the most. Throughout the course of the novel, Lord heat content remains the ultimate source of evil and uses deception and persuasion to poison Dorian from a nave boy to a destructive monster. Shortly by and by meeting Dorian for the first time, Lord Henry calmly declares, to influence a person is to give him ones own soul (20). In these few words, Lord Henry foreshadows the entirety of his relationship with Dorian throughout the novel. By sharing his unique thoughts about the scientific view of influence, Lord Henry captures Dorians curiosity and attention, opening the door to the beginning of Doria ns evolution Lord Henry continues to bruise Dorians idol on page 21 when he lectures Dorian about the key to a rewarding life through means of the senses. In response to these heavy regarding influence, sensation, temptation, and beauty, Dorian commands Lord Henry to stop speaking as he absorbs the new light shed upon him For nearly ten minutes he stood there, motionless, with part lips, and eyes strangely bright. He was dimly conscious that entirely fresh influences were at work within him. . . The few words that Basils assistant had said to him words spoken by chance, no doubt, and with willful paradox in them had touched some secret chord that had never been touched before, however that he felt was now vibrating and throbbing to curious puls... ...n goes on to murder Basil in a moment of pure hatred, allowing Lord Henry to ultimately succeed in his aims of winning Dorians soul. Careful examination of Dorians initial susceptibility to influence, willingness to commit sin, and interactions with other characters prove Lord Henry plays the biggest role in transforming Dorian from pure to vicious. With his cunning theories and brainwashing comments, Dorian cannot muster the strength to resist Lord Henrys tyrannic nature, showing there are no limitations in relationships when it comes to influence. The topic of which character primarily influences Dorian to turn to a dishonest lifestyle is undeniably significant in understanding the purpose of the characters as well as the deeper meaning of the text.Work Cited Wilde, Oscar. The Picture of Dorian Gray. New York Dover Publications, Inc., 1993.