What is a theme that you see being expressed within chapters 3-5 of "the picture of dorain gray"? How are these themes being expressed? Please use evidence from the text to support your answer.

Question

Some Theme Examples:
1. Who you are is a direct result of who you choose to associate with.
2. We all have power that we must choose to use for good or evil.

Pick a theme topic and then select a quote showing how it is being expressed in the story. Be sure to also include some of your own reasoning as well on how your selected quote supports your chosen theme topic.

Theme 1:
Evidence:
Commentary:

Answer 1

Theme 1: Who you are is a direct result of who you choose to associate with.

In chapters 3-5 of "The Picture of Dorian Gray," the theme of influence and association is notably expressed through the relationship between Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wotton, and Basil Hallward. Dorian's character transformation begins as he becomes more closely associated with Lord Henry, whose hedonistic philosophies captivate and corrupt him.

Evidence: A key quote that illustrates this theme is when Lord Henry says, “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” This statement encapsulates Lord Henry's influence over Dorian, encouraging a lifestyle that prioritizes pleasure and aesthetic experiences above morality.

Commentary: This quote supports the theme by highlighting how Lord Henry's cynical worldview significantly impacts Dorian's decisions. Initially innocent and impressionable, Dorian is drawn into Lord Henry's alluring but dangerous beliefs. The shift in Dorian's character is a direct result of his association with Lord Henry, showcasing how the people one chooses to surround themselves with can shape one’s identity and values. As Dorian becomes increasingly enamored with Lord Henry’s philosophies, he begins making choices that diverge from his former self, leading to a moral decline. This illustrates the profound impact of relationships and social circles on an individual's character and choices, making it a central theme in the early chapters of the novel.