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The Picture Of Dorian Gray - Online Term Paper

The Picture Of Dorian Gray

" All art is at once surface and symbol.
Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.
Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. "
During the Renaissance, Christopher Marlowe examined the human soul in his morality play, "Doctor Faustus." Over 200 years later, the high-class British world of the 19th century held youth and beauty above much more important qualities, as exhibited in Oscar Wilde's novel, . In this fictional story, themes from Marlowe's famous work is seen through the main character, Dorian Gray. In his pursuit of aestheticism, Dorian desires to achieve a goal that is unattainable in real life: eternal youth. Subsequently, upon viewing a portrait of ...

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are prompted by the theories of Lord Henry Wotton. Lord Henry's attempt to influence Dorian is responsible for many of the wrong choices Dorian makes. Initially unadulterated by society, Dorian's views change when Lord Henry tells him that he is presently at the peak of his life. Basil Hallward recognizes Lord Henry's tendencies and tells him not to "spoil" his innocent Dorian; "Don't try to influence him. Your influence would be bad." Ignoring Basil's wishes, Lord Henry utilizes his charm and paradoxical manner of speaking to overwhelm Dorian. He speaks of age as a dreadful condition that will cause Dorian to "suffer greatly." Lord Henry knows how impressionable young Dorian is and takes full advantage. Similar to Mephistopheles in "Doctor Faustus", Lord Henry uses cajolery to tempt Dorian into living a life of sensuality in order to live life to the fullest, which causes Dorian to sell his soul. Lord Henry is also at fault for the way in which Dorian leads his life ...

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The Picture Of Dorian Gray. (2007, July 30). Retrieved November 30, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Picture-Of-Dorian-Gray/68805

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 7/30/2007 08:21:06 AM
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1003
Pages: 4

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