Analysation of Dorian in Chapter 4
Analysation of Dorian in Chapter 4
Chapter four of “The picture of Dorian Gray” shows us an important development within Dorian’s personality and how he has taken in Lord Wotton’s idea and implemented them into his own life. Throughout the first three chapters, Lord Wotton has been focussed on the most, yet in chapter four Dorian seems to be ‘taking over the novel’ as this chapter focuses upon him and his Sybil Vane. We see Dorian develop and become his own character, driving the plot by acting independently, although still very much under the influence of Lord Henry, as Dorian echoes some of Henry’s ideas.
We see how Dorian has not fallen in love with Sibyl Vane herself, but rather her performances and the characters that she portrays. It is made clear that Dorian and Sibyl do not know each other at all, yet they are to be married, thus showing how Dorian does not want a relationship to develop, yet he wants to develop her skill as an actress. This shows to the reader how flawed Dorian’s first love is, possibly a foreshadowing of what is to come later on in the novel.
Throughout the chapter Dorian refers and echoes some of Lord Wotton’s ideas, which have clearly had an effect upon Dorian, and Dorian professes this with “I am putting it into practice, as I do everything you say” showing that Henry has dominance over Dorian and his mentality.
“ah that is one of Harry’s views, isn’t it, Mr Gray” showing how Dorian is now using Lord Henry’s beliefs in every day conversation, showing the effect and dominance that Henry and his beliefs have had on the once innocent and shy Dorian Gray. Dorian says quite early on in his conversation with Lord Wotton “if I ever did a crime, I would come and confess it to you. You would understand me”, showing the reader just how much Dorian has developed, giving an indication of the exact moment Dorian’s degradation begins, and also gives a sense of foreshadowing of later events. It also shows us how he is considering illegal acts
Chapter four of “The picture of Dorian Gray” shows us an important development within Dorian’s personality and how he has taken in Lord Wotton’s idea and implemented them into his own life. Throughout the first three chapters, Lord Wotton has been focussed on the most, yet in chapter four Dorian seems to be ‘taking over the novel’ as this chapter focuses upon him and his Sybil Vane. We see Dorian develop and become his own character, driving the plot by acting independently, although still very much under the influence of Lord Henry, as Dorian echoes some of Henry’s ideas.
We see how Dorian has not fallen in love with Sibyl Vane herself, but rather her performances and the characters that she portrays. It is made clear that Dorian and Sibyl do not know each other at all, yet they are to be married, thus showing how Dorian does not want a relationship to develop, yet he wants to develop her skill as an actress. This shows to the reader how flawed Dorian’s first love is, possibly a foreshadowing of what is to come later on in the novel.
Throughout the chapter Dorian refers and echoes some of Lord Wotton’s ideas, which have clearly had an effect upon Dorian, and Dorian professes this with “I am putting it into practice, as I do everything you say” showing that Henry has dominance over Dorian and his mentality.
“ah that is one of Harry’s views, isn’t it, Mr Gray” showing how Dorian is now using Lord Henry’s beliefs in every day conversation, showing the effect and dominance that Henry and his beliefs have had on the once innocent and shy Dorian Gray. Dorian says quite early on in his conversation with Lord Wotton “if I ever did a crime, I would come and confess it to you. You would understand me”, showing the reader just how much Dorian has developed, giving an indication of the exact moment Dorian’s degradation begins, and also gives a sense of foreshadowing of later events. It also shows us how he is considering illegal acts