Themes: The Indulgence of the Senses
Dorian attempts to live according to the philosophy introduced by Lord Henry. Lord Henry holds the belief that denying oneself is pointless. He advises Dorian not to be afraid of his own desires and instincts, as these are the sources of happiness and satisfaction. His guiding principle is “to cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.” To truly live, one must fully embrace each moment through sensory experiences. It's preferable to explore everything the world offers rather than worrying about ethics or morals. It's better to find beauty in art and beautiful objects than to be preoccupied with intellectual pursuits and education. Lord Henry describes this philosophy as a “new Hedonism.” (Hedonism is defined as the pursuit of pleasure as a way of life.)
The novel offers at least two interpretations of this theme. Since Dorian, who attempts to follow Lord Henry’s guidance, ends up destroying many lives, committing murder and suicide, and tainting his own soul, it implies either a fundamental flaw in Lord Henry’s new Hedonism or that Dorian misunderstood or misused it.
Both perspectives hold merit. The novel can be seen as a moral critique of Dorian's hedonistic lifestyle. In a letter to the Daily Chronicle on June 30, 1890 (referenced in The Artist as Critic), Wilde himself defended the book against claims of immorality, asserting that it indeed contains a moral lesson: “All excess, as well as all renunciation, brings its own punishment.” Wilde's statement applies not only to Dorian but also to Basil and Lord Henry. According to Wilde, Basil places too much importance on physical beauty, which fosters excessive vanity in Dorian, while Lord Henry opts to be merely an onlooker in life, a choice that ultimately impacts him more negatively than those, like Dorian, who actively participate in life. However, Wilde's explanation seems at odds with the novel's preface, which he added in response to negative critiques. The preface suggests through various aphoristic statements that art should remain distinct from morality.
The second interpretation posits that Dorian misinterprets Lord Henry's philosophy. In reality, it seems that Lord Henry himself does not completely follow it. As Wilde noted, Lord Henry remains largely an observer in life. His manner is languid, and he maintains an ironic detachment from everything, despite advocating for passionate involvement. Throughout the novel, Lord Henry's actions are limited to psychologically influencing Dorian and attending dinner parties to shock others with his clever remarks. Near the end, he confides in Dorian: “I have sorrows, Dorian, of my own, that even you know nothing of.”
Lord Henry seems to aspire to experience the full range of sensory pleasures, remaining keenly aware of each moment, yet simultaneously keeping his emotions in check and his mind balanced. This presents a paradox, as it suggests being both intensely involved in and detached from life. Lord Henry makes a mistake by focusing too much on detachment, ignoring the other aspect. On the other hand, Dorian makes the opposite mistake. Neither of them successfully attains the theoretical goal of the new Hedonism.
Expert Q&A
What is the "one thing worth having" according to Lord Henry in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
According to Lord Henry in The Picture of Dorian Gray, the "one thing worth having" is youth. He views youth as a time when beauty, joy, and carelessness coexist harmoniously. Lord Henry's obsession with youth influences Dorian Gray profoundly, leading him to wish for eternal youth, a desire that drives the novel's central conflict and ultimately results in devastating consequences for Dorian.
How does Lord Henry characterize beauty in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Lord Henry characterizes beauty as a supreme and self-evident form of genius, more valuable than intellect because it needs no explanation and grants power to those who possess it. He believes beauty is divine and encourages Dorian to cherish his youth and beauty, which ultimately leads Dorian to make a pact to remain young. Wilde's later reflections suggest beauty's place is in art, not life.
What occurs in the opium dens in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
In the opium dens, Dorian Gray seeks to escape his guilt after murdering Basil by immersing himself in a drug-induced haze. These dens, legal yet scandalous in Victorian England, symbolize Dorian's moral degradation and desire to forget his sins. However, his encounter with Adrian Singleton, an opium addict, serves as a haunting reminder of his past and a forewarning of his possible future, highlighting the futility of his attempts to find oblivion.
What exercise does Lord Henry find "terribly enthralling" in Chapter 3 of The Picture of Dorian Gray?
In Chapter 3, Lord Henry finds the exercise of influence "terribly enthralling." He delights in the manipulative influence that alters and molds another person, particularly someone who is charming yet naive. He enjoys "playing" such individuals like instruments, projecting his soul into them, and hearing his thoughts echoed back through them. This influence can transform a person into something great or trivial, like a "Titan or a toy."
How does Dorian Gray adopt a hedonist lifestyle?
Dorian Gray adopts a hedonist lifestyle by embracing a philosophy where self-interest overrides morality and ethics. Influenced by Lord Henry and a corrupting book, Dorian transitions from innocence to a life of indulgence. He pursues pleasure through superficial relationships, opium dens, and lewd affairs, disregarding others' well-being. His youthful appearance masks the consequences of his actions, which manifest on his portrait, leading him to commit murder to conceal his secret.
The influence and symbolism of the yellow book and Lord Henry on Dorian's corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray
The yellow book and Lord Henry significantly influence Dorian's corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The book fascinates Dorian and deepens his obsession with aestheticism, leading him down a path of moral decay. Lord Henry's hedonistic philosophies and manipulative guidance further exacerbate Dorian's descent into a life of excess and vice.
What is Dorian Gray's gift in The Picture of Dorian Gray that is both a blessing and a curse, and what message does Wilde convey through it?
Dorian Gray's "gift" in The Picture of Dorian Gray is his portrait, which ages while he remains youthful. Initially a blessing, it becomes a curse as Dorian uses his perpetual youth to indulge in immoral activities, leading to corruption and eventually murder. Oscar Wilde uses this "gift" to convey a message about the dangers of vanity and the moral consequences of a life devoted to hedonism, highlighting the decay of one's soul despite outward appearances.
The concept and role of hedonism in The Picture of Dorian Gray according to Lord Henry
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Lord Henry embodies and promotes hedonism, advocating for a life of self-indulgence and the pursuit of pleasure without moral constraints. He influences Dorian to embrace this philosophy, leading to Dorian's moral decline and eventual ruin as he prioritizes sensory experiences and personal gratification over ethical considerations and the well-being of others.
Expressions of Lust and Hedonism in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, expressions of lust and hedonism are central themes. Dorian Gray's pursuit of pleasure and beauty leads him to indulge in a lifestyle of excess and moral decay. Influenced by Lord Henry, Dorian increasingly prioritizes his own desires and sensual experiences, ultimately causing his downfall and the corruption of his soul.
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