The Picture Of Dorian Gray: Corruption Through Aestheticism

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in the outside world for the perfect manifestation of his own soul,
when he finds this object, he can create masterpieces by painting it (Bloom
109). He refuses to display the portrait of Dorian Gray with the explanation
that, "I have put too much of myself into it" (Wilde 106). He further
demonstrates the extent to which he holds this philosophy by later stating that,
"only the artist is truly reveled" (109).
Lord Henry Wotton criticizes Basil Hallward that, "An artist should
create beautiful things but should put nothing of his own life into them"
(Wilde 25). Ironically, the purpose of Basil Hallward's existence is that he
is an aesthete striving to become one with his art (Eriksen 105). It is this
very work of art which Basil refuses to display that provides Dorian Gray with
the idea that there are no consequences to his actions. Dorian has this
belief in mind when he murders Basil. Here we see that the artist is killed
for his excessive love of physical beauty; the same ...

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ideas have validity ,Dorian Gray's portrait should not
become ugly, but rather more beautiful. Since the picture becomes loathsome,
it is evident that Lord Henry's beliefs are untrue (West 5811). Dorian becomes
so disgusted with the horrible portrait that he slashes the canvas, and the
knife pierces his own heart. Because Lord Henry is responsible for influencing
Dorian Gray, he is partly the cause of the death of Dorian (5810).
While Lord Henry is indirectly the cause of Dorian's death, he too
causes his own downfall. Lord Henry changes Dorian with the belief that morals
have no legitimate place in life. He gives Dorian a book about a man who seeks
beauty in evil sensations. Both ...

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