The Picture Of Dorian Gray: Homework 2

“Worlds had to be in travail, that the meanest flower might blow” (39).  Travail- pain, anguish or suffering resulting from mental or physical hardship 

“made it iridescent with fancy” (44).  Iridescent- displaying a play of lustrous colors like those of the rainbow 

“Yes, he would try to be to Dorian Gray what, without knowing it, the lad was to the painter […] He would seek to dominate him- he already, indeed, half done so.  He would make that wonderful spirit his own” (40).

In this quotation the reader sees the fear that Basil had of Lord Henry influencing Dorian come into play.  Basil was afraid that Lord Henry would influence Dorian, and he also said that no influence is good, even though we see that Dorian Gray is playing a major role in the influence on Basil’s paintings and life.  We now see that Lord Henry’s aim is to influence Dorian and to become the person that Dorian would want to be.  This is effective through the lunch they are both at.  Lord Henry speaks eloquently and charms everyone around him, including Dorian.  We see the influence come into play when Dorian is drawn to him and stares at him throughout his talking.  Another key action is Dorian wanting to follow Lord Henry and blow off Basil

“I can sympathize with everything, except suffering” (43)

This quote takes place at the lunch at Lady Agatha’s house.  Lord Henry speaks down upon Lady Agatha’s philanthropic ways.  She is very gracious and gives to those who are not as well off as others are.  He speaks about how the less one thinks about “life’s sores”, the better life will be.  It shocks the guests at the lunch party, but his charming speech still reaches those there.  He catches the attention of Dorian, who never stops staring at him and others at the lunch.  One guest also says that before they were embarrassed to look at Lady Agatha because they did not share the same view, but now they did no longer feel that way.  Lord Henry is a great speaker and a very influential person.  His influence will most likely play a major part in this book.