Dorian Gray: Chapter 14

“A faint smile passed across his lips, as though he had been lost in some delightful dream. Yet he had not dreamed at all. His night had been untroubled by any images of pleasure or of pain. But youth smiles without any reason. It is one of its chiefest charms” (166).

• It is evident that despite the happenings of the preceding night, Dorian feels no remorse and awakes with a smile. He did not feel burdened by his wrongdoing, nor felt as though he was responsible for it. We see Dorian carry out his everyday life as normal. The portrait; however, must bear Dorian’s sin. Although Dorian remains physically young and beautiful, his portrait, once again, displays his horrid acts: “[there was] loathsome red dew that gleamed, wet and glistening, on the hands” (177). Dorian is apparently either impervious to sorrow or lacking a soul.
  

"It is impossible for you to refuse now. I tried to spare you. You will do me the justice to admit that. You were stern, harsh, and offensive. You treated me as no man has ever dared to treat me--no living man, at any rate. I bore it all. Now it is time for me to dictate terms" (175).

• Throughout his life, Dorian had always been wealthy, young, and admired. No one would ever speak badly about Dorian without feeling a hint of guilt for it. With the entrance of the new character Alan Campbell, this has changed. Campbell is not afraid of defending his views and expressing his thoughts on how horrible Dorian has become. We see this confirmed by Dorian’s lascivious nature. Instead of accepting “no” for answer, Dorian results in blackmailing Campbell. Dorian also references Basil when he states “no living man, at any rate” (175). There is a threatening undertone in this passage that not only gives reference to Basil’s death but also threatens Campbell’s life. Perhaps that is what the blackmail note contained. At any rate, Dorian has acquired a sense of cynical power and control that will only result terribly for him.

Definitions:

1) “In a few moments, Alan Campbell walked in, looking very stern and rather pale, his pallor being intensified by his coal-black hair and dark eyebrows” (171).

Pallor: (noun) unusual or extreme paleness, as from fear, ill health, or death; wanness

2) “He heaved a deep breath, opened the door a little wider, and with half-closed eyes and averted head, walked quickly in” (178).

Avert: (v) to turn away or aside