http://redtreetimes.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/ivan-albright-the-picture-of-dorian-gray.jpgWhat a great painting! It's so perfect for this book. The hideousness is the perfect representation of Dorian's soul. This book was so eerie. It gave me chills as Dorian Gray went from an innocent young man to the most cold and demon hearted individual. The Picture of Dorian Gray brought up a lot of he same themes as The Importance of Being Ernest, but they were shown in a much darker way with more serious consequences. The most obvious theme was appearance. However, unlike Madame Bovary and A Doll's House it was not concerned with how getting caught up in the trivial details of appearance (the latest fashion, a beautiful house, lovely furnishings etc.) is corrupting, but rather how appearance effects behavioral interaction. With out his unceasing youth Dorian may have learned that there are consequences to evil actions. Yet, does this excuse him? There are still consequences to his actions, many die because of him (Sibyl Vane, Basal, James, Allen Campbell) . He continues the destructive behavior because he has learned to not care the more he kills. Therefore without the bodily consequence to evil doing he only harms others. Wilde mocks society for putting their trust into appearance and not character. He simplifies women to this pursuit of appearance. Through Henry the idea of the strength of influence and mentoring is discussed. Does Henry, being Dorian's mentor have responsibility for Dorian's action? Wilde questions morality and the formation of what is or is not moral through Henry's terse speeches on society.
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