Dorians Transformation in Oscar Wildes in the Picture of...

In society, there has constantly been the question as to whether people can change or not. Author Oscar Wilde proves in his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, that one can. The question he poses to his readers is â€Å"What kind of transformation is shown by the protagonist Dorian Gray: good or bad?† It is possible to think that Dorian Gray has become a better person, not for others, but for himself since he lives in the pursuit of pleasure and always achieves it. However, as it is demonstrated by the portrait, the damnation of the lives of others can provoke damage to one’s conscience and soul. Dorian’s soul is ruined gradually by his hedonistic adventures, eventually failing to redeem his actions, but not before he leaves a devastating path†¦show more content†¦After Basil’s murder, Dorian becomes very paranoid and out of character. He is so unlike himself that even Lord Henry notices: â€Å"Something has happened to you, Dorian, Tell me what it is. You are not yourself tonight† (172). Dorian becomes very jittery and unsettled; he often thinks he sees James Vane, Sibyl’s brother, stalking Dorian to seek revenge. One time when he sees James, he faints: â€Å"And with fear in his eyes Lord Henry rushed through the flapping pals, to find Dorian Gray lying face downwards on the tiled floor in a deathlike swoon† (187). Dorian veers away from his life of pleasure when he is constantly reminded of the evil deeds he commits; he feels pain, responsibility and guilt, the three worst things a hedonist can feel. To renew his satisfaction, Dorian pursues opium, a drug that can help him reach a calm and happy place: â€Å"He [Dorian] heaved a deep breath [of opium] and his nostrils quivered with pleasure† (186-187). However, opium cannot cure all of his problems, it can only mask and delay the outcomes. Taking this drug only seals Dorian’s fate to never come back from the decadent lifestyle he leads. As his self-destruction becomes worse, Dorian begins to seek redemption. However, this only proves further that Dorian is damaged beyond repair and there is not a return from his hedonistic world. Dorian beginsShow MoreRelatedThe Picture Of Dorian Gray1576 Words   |  7 PagesTransformation in Literature Greek Philosopher Heraclitus once said â€Å"There is nothing permanent except change†. In Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, the theme of transformation is constant throughout the novel; however it is not portrayed as something that is permanent. Through the protagonist’s transformation, Oscar Wilde s novel is suggesting that the hedonistic lifestyle, a lifestyle where gaining pleasure is the main goal of a person’s life, may seem like it is an exciting and wonderfulRead MoreDorian Gray : Moral Responsibility Essay1350 Words   |  6 PagesIn The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde, it tells of a mans gradual downfall from innocence to corruption. 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