The Picture of Dorian Gray #2- Triumph or Despair?

     Dorian has become entranced by Lord Henry's influence, and he will never again be able to relive his days of youth and innocence. The reader can hear a hint of Lord Henry in Dorian's speech: "It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion" (79). Lord Henry enjoys making bold claims supported by an abundance of confidence, and now Dorian is uttering these illogical statements. It is not so much shallow people that take a long time to recover, but maybe someone who is weak or frail. Dorian has learned from Lord Henry how to make a bold generalization based on one interpretation of a word. Basil has even realized the profound transformation that has occurred inside Dorian: "Dorian, this is horrible! Something has changed you completely" (79). Although Dorian has become very proud and selfish, his external reflection remains charming and beautiful because the portrait absorbs his sin and age. His ego-centrism is nauseating, but his vanity remains. Because Dorian does not want to reveal his true self to the world, he keeps the portrait concealed under a purple and gold screen. The charm and power of the young man's beauty coerces Mr. Hubbard into leaving his shop: "As a rule, he never left his shop [...] But he always made an exception for Dorian Gray" (88). The frame-maker demonstrates the theme of beauty, and how people are drawn to and charmed by those who are attractive. Dorian's natural powers of persuasion are part of the reason why he makes for such a wonderful case study for Lord Henry. In this section, I began to wonder whether Dorian enjoys his transformation, or if he is appalled by it. When the laborers are carrying the portrait up the stairs, one of the men remarks, "'Something of a load to carry, sir'" (88). In response, Dorian says, "'I am afraid it is rather heavy'" (89). The ambiguity of the word 'it' makes the reader question whether Dorian is referring to the portrait or the secrets and corruption that are hanging over his life. Does Dorian wish that he had never met Lord Henry? How might his life have been different if he never agreed to sit for Basil?