Discuss the character of Lord Henry and explain his effect on Dorian thus far. Why does Lord Henry choose Dorian as his follower? What makes Dorian want to listen to him and follow his ways? What is it that Dorian is afraid of? - Meg
Lord Henry is a very manipulative character, and I see him as almost a symbol of evil influence. He has negatively influenced Dorian in the novel this far. For example, even after Dorian learns of Sibyl's death, he goes to the opera with Lord Henry. Dorian should really have been doing what Basil expected of him by visiting Sibyl's mother and consoling her. Basil sees what Lord Henry is doing to Dorian and does not like it, he even tries to convince Dorian not to see Henry anymore. Lord Henry uses flattery to persuade Dorian to be an "individual" and follow his passions. Lord Henry chooses Dorian to be his follower because he feels he can use Dorian's beauty to his advantage. Henry sends Dorian a book about a man who lives his life in entirety while fulfilling his own desires. The book is the means by which Lord Henry furthers his control over Dorian. Dorian becomes so caught up in the book that it holds a strong influence over him. The rumors surrounding Dorian's life and moral character reflect the negative influence that Lord Henry has over him.
Lord Henry is best at influencing those around him. His charisma and wit allow him to easily win over Dorian and manipulate him into following his every move. He believes that Dorian could successfully live out his idea of hedonism as one of his disciples. Dorian runs into trouble when he so easily gives into the words of Lord Henry. Doing as Lord Henry expects, he tries to shower himself in pleasure but in the long run falls deeply into a life of sin. Dorian is most afraid of his feelings being shown to the world when he is unsure of them.
Lord Henry is a very manipulative character, and I see him as almost a symbol of evil influence. He has negatively influenced Dorian in the novel this far. For example, even after Dorian learns of Sibyl's death, he goes to the opera with Lord Henry. Dorian should really have been doing what Basil expected of him by visiting Sibyl's mother and consoling her. Basil sees what Lord Henry is doing to Dorian and does not like it, he even tries to convince Dorian not to see Henry anymore. Lord Henry uses flattery to persuade Dorian to be an "individual" and follow his passions. Lord Henry chooses Dorian to be his follower because he feels he can use Dorian's beauty to his advantage. Henry sends Dorian a book about a man who lives his life in entirety while fulfilling his own desires. The book is the means by which Lord Henry furthers his control over Dorian. Dorian becomes so caught up in the book that it holds a strong influence over him. The rumors surrounding Dorian's life and moral character reflect the negative influence that Lord Henry has over him.
ReplyDeleteLord Henry is best at influencing those around him. His charisma and wit allow him to easily win over Dorian and manipulate him into following his every move. He believes that Dorian could successfully live out his idea of hedonism as one of his disciples. Dorian runs into trouble when he so easily gives into the words of Lord Henry. Doing as Lord Henry expects, he tries to shower himself in pleasure but in the long run falls deeply into a life of sin. Dorian is most afraid of his feelings being shown to the world when he is unsure of them.
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