Dorian Gray: Chapter 15 and 16

“Her feet are very pretty, but they are not feet of clay—white porcelain feet, if you like. They have been through the fire, and what fire does not destroy it hardens. She has had experiences” (186).

• Although this quote does not exactly add much to plot development, it is extremely enlightening to be told something you were already aware of. This passage explicates the idea of the common aphorism “what does not kill you, only makes you stronger”. Certain experiences are responsible for the strengthening of one’s maturity. The Duchess has gone through situations that have shaped her character, which was believed to be “out of the ordinary” according to how women were viewed at this time. Lord Henry states that she is, “too clever for a woman. She lacks the indefinable charm of weakness” (185). Lord Henry is not only stating his views and opinions about the common woman, but also articulating the stereotypical views that have developed over that time period.

“Ah! For that there was no atonement; but though forgiveness was impossible, forgetfulness was possible still, and he was determined to forget” (189).

• No matter how hard Dorian tried, he could not forget Basil’s murder. The portrait of Dorian certainly bore the affects of his sin; however, it did not rid him of the horrid memory of this event. There was certainly no expectation for receiving forgiveness because as we have learned through previous characters, one must grapple with the sin in order to obtain redemption. This displays how much Dorian has changed from his earlier belief: “There is a luxury in self-reproach…It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution” (100). It is evident that even with his portrait being a representation of his rotting soul, Dorian has no urge to seek forgiveness. Instead of striving to adhere to his thought of not being able to "bear the idea of [his] soul being hideous" (101), he simply suppresses the memory until it vanishes.
  
  

Definitions:

1) “‘Isn’t he incorrigible?’ cried Dorian, leaning forward in his chair” (183).

Incorrigible: (adj) bad beyond correction or reform

2) “There were opium-dens, where one could buy oblivion—dens of horror, where the memory of old sins could be destroyed by the madness of sins that were new” (189).

Opium: (noun) anything that causes dullness or inaction or that soothes the mind or emotions