Student Question
What is the effect of introducing Dorian Gray as a topic of conversation before meeting him?
Quick answer:
Introducing Dorian Gray through Basil and Lord Henry's conversation creates curiosity and suspense about the protagonist. It allows readers to see Dorian from others' perspectives, learning about his reputation and characteristics before meeting him. This buildup enhances our interest and provides a basis for comparing the initial descriptions with Dorian's actual behavior and personality.
Introducing Dorian Gray through the conversation of Basil and Lord Henry gives us a look at the protagonist from these two characters' perspectives. We can distance ourselves from him and see him through someone else's eyes. We learn about his reputation and opinions about him—not only those of Basil and Lord Henry but also those of their acquaintances. It builds up our curiosity about the protagonist and creates suspense. We learn that Dorian Gray is an extremely beautiful gentleman who plays piano or violin. Basil is obsessed with him, likes spending time with him, and talks to him about many things. Dorian is a new inspiration for him. When we finally meet the protagonist, we can compare the description introduced by the two men with reality and see what he is really like.
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