In Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Lord Henry Wotton plays a pivotal role in shaping Dorian Gray's views, particularly in the wake of Sibyl Vane's tragic death. After Sibyl takes her own life, Dorian is initially devastated and filled with guilt. However, Lord Henry's manipulation of Dorian’s thoughts fundamentally alters his perspective.
Lord Henry suggests that Sibyl's death should not be seen as a tragedy but rather as a demonstration of the beauty of art and the fleeting nature of life. He implies that her death enhances the significance of their experiences, framing it as a source of inspiration rather than sorrow. Lord Henry states, “She was the only thing that had ever made him feel that he was indeed a man.” He then coldly remarks that Dorian should not dwell on grief because it is a sign of weakness, and instead, he should embrace life's pleasures.
This perspective shift is crucial as it reflects Lord Henry's hedonistic philosophy. Dorian begins to see Sibyl’s death through a lens of aesthetic appreciation rather than emotional pain. He starts to think of Sibyl as an idealized figure, saying that her death has made her beautiful and eternal in his memory. Ultimately, this change showcases Dorian's descent into self-indulgence and the powerful influence Lord Henry exerts over him, leading to moral disintegration rather than genuine mourning for Sibyl.
Dorian’s eventual reaction, characterized by a chilling indifference and a focus on self-pleasure, illustrates how deeply Lord Henry's views have taken root in his psyche. As he allows Lord Henry’s philosophy to reshape his grief, it marks a significant turning point in his character's transformation and moral decline.
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