The Picture of Dorian Gray Outline

Prompt: By the end of the novel, Dorian is a horribly depraved man; however, what makes him so depraved is up for debate. Analyze the nature of Dorian's depravity by focusing on his characteristics.

Thesis: Dorian's preponderance of naivety allows Lord Henry to seep in and corrupt the once innocent soul. With the accumulation of evil deeds, Dorian vanity, pride, and impulsivity create a depraved monster with a heightened sense of immortality.

I. Dorian's initial innocence and naivety make him malleable to the forces of corruption.

i) When we are first introduced to Dorian, he is young and juvenile: "swinging round on the music-stool, in a wilful, petulant manner. When he caught sight of Lord Henry, a faint blush coloured his cheeks" (11).

            -The young, vulnerable Dorian is whimsical and naive, and it is not long until Lord Henry begins to shape his thoughts and actions.

ii) Dorian immediately becomes entranced by the eloquent and befuddling speech of Lord Henry: "Dorian Gray listened, open-eyed and wondering. The spray of lilac fell from his hand upon the gravel" (17).

            -The lilac is like the Dorian's innocence, falling and fading with his exposure to Lord Henry.

iii) Lord Henry remarks that "to influence a person is to give him one's own soul [...] He becomes an echo of some one else's music, an actor of a part that has not been written for him" (13).

            -Dorian's initial innocence allows him to be molded and altered by the influence of Lord Henry. His susceptibility to corruption begins his path to destruction.

II. As his self worth grows with reinforcement from Lord Henry and society, Dorian's inflated pride and vanity overshadow any concern he might have felt for others.

i) When Sibyl Vane professes that the honesty and purity of her love for him inhibits her ability to falsely portray such passion on the stage, Dorian remarks, "you have killed my love. You used to stir my imagination. Now you don't even stir my curiosity. [...] You are shallow and stupid. My God!" (63).

            -Dorian is entranced by Sibyl the way that Lord Henry is fascinated by Dorian; she is beautiful and marvelous, but that is the depth of his emotions towards her. He condemns her foolish emotions, and Dorian is furious that her acting skills reflect poorly on himself.

ii) Dorian is initially shocked news of Sibyl's murder, but he shortly comes to the conclusion that their relationship was marvelous work of art: "It has all the terrible beauty of a Greek tragedy, a tragedy in which I took a great part, but by which I have not been wounded" (73).

            -Dorian is shaping events into how they will bring him the most benefit, and the painting allows him to hide any sense of remorse or guilt brought upon by his actions. His egotism is overpowering any sympathy he may feel for others. This lack of personal connections and understanding leaves Dorian feeling very isolated and empowered.  

III. When under external or internal pressure, Dorian's impulsivity leads him to make irresponsible and irreversible actions that endanger others.

i) When Dorian reveals the painting of his decrepit soul to Basil, "mad passions of a hunted animal stirred within him, and he loathed the man who was seated at the table, more than in his whole life he had ever loathed anything" (114).

            -Basil facilitated Dorain's horrific transformation to a life of sin and crime when he created the painting as a scapegoat for his malicious actions. This anger and frustration overwhelm Dorian upon revealing the portrait, and he viciously murders Basil. Dorian is insecure about the monster he has become, and his impulsive decisions are a way for him to lash out at the world. However, his impulsive decisions have harsh repercussions for those around him.

ii) Dorian then entangles his old friend Alan Campbell into the murder in an attempt to remove the mess: "You leave me no alternative. I have a letter written already. Here it is. [...] You know what the result will be. But you are going to help me. It is impossible for you to refuse now" (125).

            -It is implied that Dorian will expose Campbell's homosexual lover, and at a time of desperation, Dorian will risk anything and anyone around him for his own benefit. It is only plausible that Dorian and Campbell were once involved in a romantic relationship: "They had been great friends once, five years before-- almost inseparable, indeed. Then the intimacy had come to a sudden end" (121). For Dorian to betray someone that he once cared deeply about demonstrates how his vanity has prevented him from ever truly loving anyone but himself.  

IV. Dorian's dashing good looks and personality have allowed him to charm whomever he pleases, and through constant praise and adoration he has acquired a sense of immortality.

i) When James Vane confronts Dorian in the archway, he cleverly wriggles himself away from the hand of death: "'How long ago is it since your sister died? Quick, tell me!'" (140).

            -Once again, Dorian utilizes his young face to escape repercussions for his actions.

ii) Dorian then turns around, and in a condescending tone says, "'Let this be a warning to you not to take vengeance into your own hands'" (141).

            -Dorian appreciates the irony of the situation, and he is relishing at his own innocent looks and quick mind. Lurking around only increases his chances of danger, but Dorian has gone through life without any repercussions for his actions, so at times he acts invincible, leering at those of whom he has taken advantage.

Conclusion: Dorian's naivety allows Lord Henry to prey on his malleability, and coupled with vanity and impulsive actions, Dorian becomes a malevolent and depraved monster. Dorian entered the world like a blank canvas: innocent but full of potential. Without any proper guidance, Dorian was molded and bent into the vain and self serving offspring of the influence of Lord Henry. His egotism grew, until it overshadowed all other aspects of humanity. Dorian eventually became so self-empowered that his feeling of superiority led him to believe he was in a state of immortality. However, although his naivety, vanity, and impulsivity created a malicious and depraved monster, a dim sense of morality was still present inside. The turmoil of what he had become lurked ominously inside of him, and as he commits suicide, he longs for atonement and a better life: "It would kill this monstrous soul-life, and without its hideous warnings, he would be at peace" (164). Although Dorian had become a monster, his last act illustrates his reflection on his life and the atrocities for which he was responsible. One cannot deny that Dorian was transformed into a depraved man, but his final act of suicide was done in good intentions in regard to his soul and the benefit of others.