- Dorian feels contrite for how badly he treated Sibyl, so he goes about his search for forgiveness by writing a heartfelt letter to her. Dorian expresses that by doing so, he is recognizing his sin and is already forgiven. Through this quote Dorian articulates a thought/feeling that we have all had at one point. When we come to terms with our wrongdoing, we have the feeling that, because we have recognized our sin, no one else has the right to accuse us. In other words, because we have repented, there is no need for further judgment. This passage also relates to other characters we have come across, such as Proctor and Dimmesdale. Both went through struggles and hardships before coming to the understanding of where exactly absolution can be found, wheras Dorian immediately knew how to obtain forgivness.
“To you at least she was always a dream, a phantom that flitted through Shakespeare’s plays and left them lovelier for its presence… The moment she touched actual life, she marred it, and it marred her, and so she passed away” (107).
- What we previously spoke about in class is confirmed by this passage. Dorian fell in love with Sibyl’s talent in acting out the roles of extremely romantic women in history. Sibyl was always perfect and romantic because Imogen, Desdemona, and Juliet were all perfect and romantic. Dorian had not seen Sibyl in a genuine state, just her persona. He fell in love with the idea of being in love but was stabbed by reality after witnessing a glimpse of the real Sibyl. The instant “she touched actual life” (107) she died, just as Dorian's love for her died.
Definitions:
“Was there some subtle affinity between the chemical atoms, that shaped themselves into form and color on the canvas, and the soul that was within him?” (99).
Affinity: (noun) a natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, idea, etc
“Did it merely take cognizance of what passed within the soul?" (109).
Cognizance: (noun) awareness, realization, or knowledge; notice; perception
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