- This quote reveals the influence Lord Henry had on Dorian. Dorian expresses that Lord Henry has encouraged him to alter his perception of certain things and see the world differently. Dorian even begins repeating aphorisms that Lord Henry may have said. Lord Henry’s wife notes this: “I always hear Harry’s views from his friends. It is the only way to get to know of them” (49). This discloses Lord Henry’s past reputation of manipulating his previous friends and Basil, being aware of this, attempts to warn Dorian but fails. The warning proved unsuccessful because Dorian clearly articulates to Lord Henry, “You have a curious influence over me” (56).
"Human life-- that appeared to him the one thing worth investigating. Compared to it there was nothing else of any value. It was true that as one watched life in its curious crucible of pain and pleasure, one could not wear over one’s face a mask of glass, nor keep the sulphurous fumes from troubling the brain” (61).
- Lord Henry seems to have found pleasure and excitement in observing Dorian’s sudden change in lifestyle. Dorian’s human nature has become Lord Henry’s newfound interest because Lord Henry is witnessing his own thoughts and views manifested through another human being. His previous studies of natural science had become trivial compared to the sensation Lord Henry felt when examining and witnessing such a fascinating human life: "Certainly few people had ever interested him so much as Dorian Gray" (61).
“I went out and wandered eastward, soon losing my way in a labyrinth of grimystreets and black, grassless squares" (52).
Labyrinth: (noun) an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach the exit
“It was a tawdry affair, all cupids and cornucopias, like a third-rate wedding-cake” (53).
Tawdry: (adj) gaudy; showy and cheap
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