Dorian Gray Quetions
As the years pass Dorian becomes abhorrent and morally distasteful, this causes others to question his character. Rumors begin to spread, claiming that Dorian takes part in immoral behavior. Dorian’s beauty reflects such purity and innocence; people become skeptical about the rumors. For example, when in the presence of Dorian people cannot help to recall “the memory of the innocence they have tarnished” (Wilde). It is clear to the public that Dorian has changed morally, but it seems that his beauty compensates or even overshadows his actions. The fact that the rumors are even dismissed by most because Dorian appears pure shows that Dorian’s society bases character on superficial characteristics. Dorian is essentially given permission to do whatever he pleases because no matter what he does, people will not look past his aesthetic appeal. Even with his immoral actions, Dorian maintains his social status by indulging in activities such as: studying perfumes, music, jewelry, embroideries, and tapestries. These types of hobbies are what fool people into thinking that Dorian is pure and innocent, but his participation in these activities are not meant to fool others, but to feed his curiosities on beauty. As long as Dorian keeps his portrait hidden, society will not be able to see the monster he is becoming.
After hearing the rumors about Dorian’s recent actions, Basil becomes deeply concerned about what kind of man Dorian is becoming. When Basil accompanies Dorian home, they discuss the rumors and Dorian states, “scandals don’t interest me… [for] they have not got the charm of novelty” (Wilde). Basil will notice that the rumors neither bother nor surprise Dorian, and explains, “If a wretched man has a vice, it shows itself in the lines of his mouth, the droop of his eyelids, the molding of his hands even” (Wilde). As Basil continues to chastise Dorian, he states that he has lost “all sense of honor, of goodness, of purity…[and] filled them with a madness for pleasure” (Wilde). Basil also mentions that he wishes to see Dorian’s soul, and Dorian responds by laughing then decides to show him the corrupted painting. Basil is horrified by the painting and how deformed and hideous it had become. Dorian explains to Basil the nature of the painting and that his wish of remaining forever young had come true. Basil then feels that he is being punished for worshipping Dorian, and asks Dorian to pray for forgiveness. However Dorian explains that is too late for forgiveness. Dorian looks at the portrait once again, and then feels much anger and hatred that he stabs Basil to death and hides his body and his belongings.
Basil Hallward is an eternal idealist who truly believes in the innate goodness of mankind. He continues to have faith in the possibility of redemption, and hes a firm believer