- In this quote, Dorian expresses his feelings when he is in Sibyl’s presence. Instead of being under Lord Henry’s influence, he feels as though Sibyl has a different affect on him. Sibyl brings a whole new perspective of life to Dorian and he becomes a different person. Does this mean that Dorian is not naïve, but instead purposely willing to be influenced? All the theories and sayings of Lord Henry that had seeped into Dorian’s mind take on new meanings when he is with Sibyl. Everything he had once been taught becomes irrational while anything new from Sibyl, we can assume, is seen as the gospel truth. In this quote, we can also see Dorian’s character as being easily influenced, not only by intellect and the power of words but also by strong emotions and love.
“Pleasure is Nature’s test, her sign of approval. When we are happy we are always good, but when we are good we are not always happy” (82).
- Lord Henry expresses that those who are happy do good things, but those who are good are not always happy. However, what determines “good”? One’s good could be extremely detrimental to another’s well being. And if so, could that be considered as bad? Lord Henry describes being good as being “in harmony with one’s self” (82). However, if being in harmony with oneself is makes a person in discord with others, can that really be good? In a general understanding of Lord Henry’s statement, one can come to the conclusion that Lord Henry is attempting to portray the fact that, when we are good which could mean following set rules, a person is not exactly happy because they may feel a type of restriction on their lives.
Definitions:
“You pain me, my son. I trust you will return from Australia in a position of affluence” (66).
Affluence: (n) abundance of money, property, and other material goods; riches; wealth
“Leaden with fear, his mother watched him” (74).
Leaden: (adj) inertly heavy like lead; hard to lift or move
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