Dorian Gray Epigram Journals
Anonymous
Period 5
9-10-13
Journal #1: “I am not young enough to know everything” I can completely and whole-heartedly say that this epigram from Dorian Gray is very relatable and in fact true. It is a well-known fact that the recent generation or generations of teenagers that inhabit this wonderful place we call “America” fully believe that they themselves know everything there is to know about everything in this world. The rest of us with common sense know that this is entirely false. It seems as though in this passage, Oscar Wilde is simply using this epigram as a means of mocking teenagers and their pride in thinking they know everything. Though, in my opinion, it not only mocks them, but it shows another deep, underlying representation and meaning of one of his beloved characters. As we all know, Lord Henry can be a bit of a know-it-all, and this trait of his is what aided him in the corruption of Dorian. His never-ending ramblings on youth and beauty were what made Dorian so vain and paranoid, and it as Lord Henry’s initial love for beauty and youth and such things that began the entire thing.
In retrospect, Lord Henry Wotton seems to be a reflection of not only society itself, but teenagers as well. His values are much like that of American society. For example, Lord Henry’s obsession with youth, beauty, reputations, and overall appearances reflect what the media and television are always looking for in order to find “the next big thing.” In the same obsessive fashion, Lord Henry parallels the average teenage girl.
Journal #2: “I love acting. It is so much more real than life.”
In this quote, Sibyl Vane is not only explaining her love for acting, but her unhappiness with herself in society. While acting, one can imagine oneself as the character, fully embodying them and leaving behind everything that happened offstage. One can lose oneself in the character, immersing themselves in the story and really becoming the character, inside and
Period 5
9-10-13
Journal #1: “I am not young enough to know everything” I can completely and whole-heartedly say that this epigram from Dorian Gray is very relatable and in fact true. It is a well-known fact that the recent generation or generations of teenagers that inhabit this wonderful place we call “America” fully believe that they themselves know everything there is to know about everything in this world. The rest of us with common sense know that this is entirely false. It seems as though in this passage, Oscar Wilde is simply using this epigram as a means of mocking teenagers and their pride in thinking they know everything. Though, in my opinion, it not only mocks them, but it shows another deep, underlying representation and meaning of one of his beloved characters. As we all know, Lord Henry can be a bit of a know-it-all, and this trait of his is what aided him in the corruption of Dorian. His never-ending ramblings on youth and beauty were what made Dorian so vain and paranoid, and it as Lord Henry’s initial love for beauty and youth and such things that began the entire thing.
In retrospect, Lord Henry Wotton seems to be a reflection of not only society itself, but teenagers as well. His values are much like that of American society. For example, Lord Henry’s obsession with youth, beauty, reputations, and overall appearances reflect what the media and television are always looking for in order to find “the next big thing.” In the same obsessive fashion, Lord Henry parallels the average teenage girl.
Journal #2: “I love acting. It is so much more real than life.”
In this quote, Sibyl Vane is not only explaining her love for acting, but her unhappiness with herself in society. While acting, one can imagine oneself as the character, fully embodying them and leaving behind everything that happened offstage. One can lose oneself in the character, immersing themselves in the story and really becoming the character, inside and