What does Lord Henry want basil to do?
When Lord Henry expresses his desire to meet Gray, Basil explains that he wants to keep Dorian and the painting hidden away so that neither Dorian nor the world will ever know about his “curious artistic idolatry.” Lord Henry suggests that Basil’s feeling may pass and that he will eventually become indifferent to …
What is the difference between Basil and Lord Henry?
Dorian notices a difference between Lord Henry and Basil, “He was so unlike Basil. They made a delightful contrast”(Wilde 12 -13). Basil is a middle class man while Lord Henry speaks against middle class values. Lord Henry believes in beauty and pleasure and lives a very hedonistic and aesthetic life.
What is the relationship between Basil and Dorian from beginning to end?
Basil is the painter of Dorian Gray’s portrait. From the beginning of their relationship on, he feels that he found his muse in Dorian, who, in Basil’s eyes, embodies the Greek ideal of harmony between body and soul (DG 13).
Why does Lord Henry insist that Basil?
Why does Lord Henry insist that Basil Hallward should exhibit his painting of Dorian Gray? Lord Henry believes it to be Basil’s best work. Basil becomes almost dependent on Dorian as his muse, his art, and his life. Dorian introduces Basil to a new vision of art, a combination of Greek perfection and Roman passion.
Why does Dorian Gray kill basil?
Dorian ends up killing Basil because of his curiosity about Dorian’s life. Basil recognizes that the unity of body and soul, something that he had desired to bring through his own art, is reflected in the painting. The unity of both means that the painting reflects the depravity within Dorian Gray.
What does Lord Henry say about laughter?
“I know you will laugh at me,” he replied, “but I really can’t exhibit it. I have put too much of myself into it.” Lord Henry stretched himself out on the divan and laughed. “Yes, I knew you would; but it is quite true, all the same.”
What does Lord Henry claim is the aim of life?
Lord Henry claims that self-development is “the aim of life”. Lord Henry believes that the only way to get rid of temptation is to yield it.
Why is Lord Henry interested by Dorian’s background?
Part of his “hedonist manifesto” also precludes the search and adoration of the ultimate forms of beauty. Henry takes particular interest in Dorian Gray because the young man is described as the epitome of male physical beauty.
Why does Dorian want Lord Henry to stay as he poses for basil?
Dorian is so different from how he used to be. His true nature had developed like a flower. Why does Dorian want Basil and Lord Henry to come to the theater that evening? He wants them to see her act and to acknowledge her genius.
Why doesn’t Lord Henry believe Dorian when he confesses to killing Basil?
When Dorian all but confesses to Basil’s murder, Lord Henry flippantly dismisses him, since his worldview holds that “[c]rime belongs exclusively to the lower orders.” Only Lord Henry, who has never actually done any of the things he has inspired Dorian to do, could have the luxury of this thought.
What does Lord Henry plan to do to Dorian Gray?
By molding Dorian into “a marvellous type” of boy, Lord Henry believes that he is countering the effects of “an age so limited and vulgar” as his own. He imagines that he will take his place among such masters as the great Italian artist Michelangelo, with whom he shares the imperative to create something of beauty.
Who is Lord Henry’s wife?
Victoria Wotton
Why was Picture of Dorian Gray banned?
Wilde used The Picture of Dorian Gray as his autobiography claiming, “Basil Hallward is what I think I am: Lord Henry what the world thinks me: Dorian what I would like to be- in other ages perhaps.” Not only was this book banned because of the sexual undertones, it eventually helped send Wilde to a couple of years of …
Why did Dorian Gray kill himself?
Dorian was too proud to admit evil inside of him in front of others. Afraid of public humiliation and despise, he commits a suicide unconsciously. His pride was the cause of his death, but, also, a cause of his spoiled life.
Why did Sybil kill herself?
Why did Sybil kill herself? The cruel expression on the face in the portrait reminds him of his poor treatment of Sibyl. Sibyl Vane, as Henry had written to Dorian in the unopened letter, has killed herself with poison.
Is Dorian in love with Sibyl?
As Dorian describes Sibyl and his love for her, Dorian admits that he is entranced partly because Sibyl Vane is an actress and, thus, a different woman every night. He confesses his love for Sibyl, calling her a “genius,” and in the next breath states that he doesn’t really care who she is or where she came from.
Who did Dorian Gray kill?
Basil Hallward
Who does Dorian Gray fall in love with?
Sibyl
What creature is Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray is a fictional character and the protagonist of Oscar Wilde’s 1890 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. He is an aristocratic Victorian man.
Was Dorian Gray rich?
Dorian Gray is a wealthy gentleman who has gained immortality by having his soul trapped within a painting. He is well known for his extravagance and debauchery.
What is the moral of Dorian Gray?
Wilde himself admits, in a letter to the St. James’s Gazette, that Dorian Gray “is a story with a moral. And the moral is this: All excess, as well as all renunciation, brings its own punishment” (Wilde 248).