What I think so far

I am becoming fascinated with the story of Dorian Gray. I have gotten to the end of chapter 11, on page 93, and for a few chapters now, things are taking a turn for the worse in his life. However, this is his own fault, as his personality is becoming more and more cynical and much less innocent and pure. Firstly, I think the concept of a portrait taking the damages and ugliness of age and stress while the real face of the person remains pure and beautiful is very interesting and genius. The fact that people will dismiss the allegations and scandals surrounding Dorian simply because he looks innocent brings up an issue in society today. People will treat people differently simply because of the way that they look. People will refuse to believe that an innocent, young girl-looking girl could do anything wrong, but will immediately believe the first thing they hear about a disheveled woman. I was watching a show called "Brain Games" where people were much more willing to help a woman who was dressed nicely when she fell than one that was dressed poorly and has messy hair. I believe that Oscar Wilde touches upon this issue with a perfect analogy using the portrait.
Dorian's change in character was triggered right before Sibyl Vane's suicide, which is what likely caused this tragedy. His lack of care for the death of his fiancee is extremely concerning, but only Basil seems to notice. I believe Basil is very intelligent and knows Dorian better than anybody else (which is likely why he was the first character introduced to the reader, he is very important). His importance to the story should be emphasized in the coming chapters.
Dorian is now becoming obsessed with this yellow book that Harry gave him. This is a negative influence, though, much like the portrait. Dorian uses the portrait as an excuse to act cruelly, as all of his ugliness is shown in the portrait, which he locked away in an abandoned room. Thus, nobody will ever see his true colors (except Basil, who I think is the only person capable of this. He is also the only other person to witness the painting after it began aging). Basil mentioned Harry being a poor influence early on, and I think this yellow book will prove it. it is interesting, though, because the catalyst for this misbehavior, the portrait, is from Basil himself. Dorian, though, made the "deal with the devil" to portray all of his age on the portrait. Thus to no fault of his own, Basil's beautiful painting is ruined, and is ruining a beautiful man and personality. I feel bad for Basil, as he lost his great friend in Dorian, but now Dorian's true values (beauty, purity, being liked) and selfishness are showing. It may have only taken wise words from Harry, or perhaps a mystical force within the portrait or book, but Dorian's true personality is presenting its ugly face, but nobody can see that.

Character

The character I am choosing to write on is Dorian Gray, himself. While the novel is named after him, he is not the main protagonist, at least not at the point I am in the novel; page 35.. In fact, there is not one central character in this novel. There is more a group of three, Lord Henry (who is also called Harry), Basil Hallward, and Dorian. Dorian, though, is by far the most extraordinary character. First, he is unbelievably youthful and attractive. This is how and Harry and Basil first introduce him, as the painting of him, done by Basil, is noticed by Harry for it's beauty. Basil explained Dorian's unique attractiveness. Upon seeing the painting, Dorian finally realizes his natural beauty. "The sense of his own beauty came on him like a revelation. He had never felt it before… Yes, there would be a day when his face would be wrinkled and wizen, his eyes dim and colorless, the grace of his figure broken and deformed. The scarlet would pass away from his lips, and the gold steal from his hair. The life that was to make his soul would mar his body. He would become ignoble, hideous, and uncouth. As he thought of it, a sharp pang of pain struck like a knife across him, and made each delicate fibre of his nature quiver. His eyes deepened into amethyst, and a mist of tears came across them” (Wilde, 18). Dorian realized his gift through the painting of himself. However, Harry had attempted to spread his "wisdom", and thus Dorian became paranoid about losing his youth and beauty. Also, Dorian grew up without parents, and Harry feels this makes him more extraordinary. "Yes; it was an interesting background. It posed the lad, made him more perfect, as it were" (25). Not only is Dorian perfect in his looks and personality, but his story is incredible, too. Dorian is also innocent and kind, which could be attributed to his perceived youth. Whenever he speaks, Wilde uses words like "said Dorian Gray, blushing" (31), "cried Dorian Gray, angrily" (33) and "Dorian Gray leaped to his feet, with flushed cheeks and burning eyes" (35). Words like "leaped" and "cried" imply his youth, while his blushing and flushed cheeks demonstrate innocence. This is interesting, because he often contrasts with Harry's ideals, as Harry is a direct, harsh, opinionated man. Harry is clearly influencing Dorian, though, and it should be interesting to see if this causes Dorian to lose his soft innocence.

Setting

I am currently on page 15 of The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde. This puts me about a chapter and a half into the novel. The setting of the novel is in England, as emphasized by the description of Englishmen used in the novel. "'How English you are, Basil! If one puts forward an idea to a real Englishman,— always a rash thing to do,—he never dreams of considering whether the idea is right or wrong. The only thing he considers of any importance is whether one believes it one’s self'" (Wilde 9). This establishes the general location of a novel, while also characterizing the culture. As Lord Henry describes, the people in England are very stubborn and opinionated. They typically do not take time to appreciate the little things in life and always jump to the bigger picture, and their predetermined opinions of it. This could create conflict within the story. The characters also mention Oxford, a prominent English university. This establishes a theme of intelligence. Intelligence is a positive attribute, but when combined with the stubbornness mentioned above, it could lead to even larger conflict. The specific setting of the plot up to this point has taken place in Basil Hallward's art studio. This studio is also commonly referred to as a garden. The opening sentence to the novel describes this room; “The studio was filled with the rich odor of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink flowering thorn” (5). This immanent nature contrasts with the strict beliefs that Englishmen are said to hold. Nature is representative of more free-thinking than Lord Henry believe's Basil possesses. This will be an interesting interaction to watch develop throughout the plot.