Discuss the exposition of Wilde's "The Picture Of Dorian Gray." Explain any possible foreshadowing, symbolism, or literary techniques employed by the author. Do you have any guesses as to what will happen next?
Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" includes many literary techniques that construct each character thoroughly into the plot. Dorian himself is a beautiful and unique character who is idolized by his physical appearance. He has an impact on each character in the story because of this. However, Lord Henry's eloquent speech and language allows him to have the most manipulative influence on the world around him. In the first four chapters there have been instances of foreshadowing in which Dorian's life and future is discussed. He keeps being told to live in his youth as much as he can, for it goes quickly. His relationship with Lord Henry seems interesting and I think later on in the story Lord Henry will make an ultimate influence on him that changes his life forever. He is constantly warned by Basil that Lord Henry is a bad influence which ultimately suggests that he will influence Dorian negatively in the long run. The character of Lord Henry draws in the reader with the language Wilde chooses to use. So far each character that has been introduced has had a significant meaning in the plot that will evidently lead to an interesting story line.
Wilde opens the novel with the use of beautiful, floral imagery which reflects the beauty that the gorgeous, adonis-like Dorian Gray beholds. A painting of Dorian Gray is being admired in the home of its painter, Basil Hallward, by his friend Lord Henry Wotton. Upon being prompted by Lord Henry to explain how he met the subject of his painting, Basil claims that when he met Dorian he felt as if he was "on the verge of a terrible crisis" (p. 5). I feel this quote foreshadows bad things to come in the life of Basil which will be related to his friendship with Gray. More foreshadowing takes place toward the end of chapter one when Basil asks Lord Henry not to "spoil" Dorian and in chapter two when Basil warns Dorian of Lord Henry's bad influences on everyone except himself (Basil). Lord Henry also goes on to warn Dorian about how his beauty and youth will fade, saying someday he will be "old and wrinkled and ugly" (p 16). Through Basil's dialogue, the reader gets the sense that Lord Henry will be the antagonist of the story, causing bad things to happen to the characters that surround him. Lord Henry's growing interest in Dorian Gray becomes quite curious to the reader after he goes to visit his uncle and aunt. Henry is obsessed with the preservation beauty and youth, which leads the reader to wonder what his intentions are. Symbolism could be used concerning the surname of Dorian's love, Sibyl Vane. Though spelled differently than the word "vain," I believe it could have a duality that has to do with the downfall of Dorian's beauty. I believe that Sibyl will be the next thing that we will see harm Dorian.
Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray" includes many literary techniques that construct each character thoroughly into the plot. Dorian himself is a beautiful and unique character who is idolized by his physical appearance. He has an impact on each character in the story because of this. However, Lord Henry's eloquent speech and language allows him to have the most manipulative influence on the world around him. In the first four chapters there have been instances of foreshadowing in which Dorian's life and future is discussed. He keeps being told to live in his youth as much as he can, for it goes quickly. His relationship with Lord Henry seems interesting and I think later on in the story Lord Henry will make an ultimate influence on him that changes his life forever. He is constantly warned by Basil that Lord Henry is a bad influence which ultimately suggests that he will influence Dorian negatively in the long run. The character of Lord Henry draws in the reader with the language Wilde chooses to use. So far each character that has been introduced has had a significant meaning in the plot that will evidently lead to an interesting story line.
ReplyDeleteWilde opens the novel with the use of beautiful, floral imagery which reflects the beauty that the gorgeous, adonis-like Dorian Gray beholds. A painting of Dorian Gray is being admired in the home of its painter, Basil Hallward, by his friend Lord Henry Wotton. Upon being prompted by Lord Henry to explain how he met the subject of his painting, Basil claims that when he met Dorian he felt as if he was "on the verge of a terrible crisis" (p. 5). I feel this quote foreshadows bad things to come in the life of Basil which will be related to his friendship with Gray. More foreshadowing takes place toward the end of chapter one when Basil asks Lord Henry not to "spoil" Dorian and in chapter two when Basil warns Dorian of Lord Henry's bad influences on everyone except himself (Basil). Lord Henry also goes on to warn Dorian about how his beauty and youth will fade, saying someday he will be "old and wrinkled and ugly" (p 16). Through Basil's dialogue, the reader gets the sense that Lord Henry will be the antagonist of the story, causing bad things to happen to the characters that surround him. Lord Henry's growing interest in Dorian Gray becomes quite curious to the reader after he goes to visit his uncle and aunt. Henry is obsessed with the preservation beauty and youth, which leads the reader to wonder what his intentions are. Symbolism could be used concerning the surname of Dorian's love, Sibyl Vane. Though spelled differently than the word "vain," I believe it could have a duality that has to do with the downfall of Dorian's beauty. I believe that Sibyl will be the next thing that we will see harm Dorian.
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