Saturday, October 9, 2010

The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 7-8

In chapter seven, Dorian brings Basil and Lord Henry to the theater so that they can see Sybil in action for themselves. There is a brief moment when it appears as if Dorian might being seeing Lord Henry for what he truly is. This can be seen in the quote that states "Harry is so cynical, he terrifies me." However, then he goes on to comment on the orchestra so it is as if he dismisses this revelation as soon as he has it. Sybil's performance does not live up to what Dorian built it up to be and he is horribly disappointed. So much that he asks both Basil and Lord Henry to leave.

After the show Dorian goes to talk to with Sybil and she explains that the reason she acted so horribly was because now that she loves him so knows what real emotion feels like. That she does not want to fake emotion any longer and that they should run away together. Dorian's response to this is less than pleasant. He is horribly cruel to her and basically tells her that she wants nothing to do with her. When he gets back home he realizes that the portrait of himself has changed. The portrait is going to reflect the changes of of his soul. Dorian states that "... the face appeared to him to be a little changed. The expression looked different. One would have said that there was a touch of cruelty in the mouth." page 99. This first change shows the cruelty that he displayed to Sybil.

Dorian comes to the realization that he no longer what to have anything to do with Lord Henry; that he has in fact poisoned his life. That is until he finds out about Sybil's suicide. Dorian's response the news is not what he expected it would be and even comments on this fact. He says "Why is it that I cannot feel this tragedy as much as I want to? I don't think I am heartless. Do you?" Lord Henry is able to convince Dorian that there is nothing wrong with the way he is feeling. Dorian even goes as far as to say "You have explained me to myself, Harry... But we will not talk again of what has happened. It has been a marvelous experience. That is all." page 113. This quote reveals that Dorian has had a complete change of character. Lord Henry has been able to completely convince him to think as he wants him to. From this change of attitude Dorian even comes to see the portrait in a new light. He believes that it is a good thing rather than fearing it as he previously had.

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