- Basil is correct in this statement. He expresses that we cannot hide our wrongdoing. In grappling with our sins, we are affected by the stress and age lines that accompany the struggle. There is no secrecy in sinning, which often creates a better means of obtaining absolution because the sin is seen by all; therefore, this encourages one to seek forgiveness quicker. However, this is clearly not the case with Dorian. Due to the fact that Dorian’s portrait held the “lines of his mouth, [and] the droop of his eyelids” (153), he did not have to grapple with his sins and simply hid them behind a curtain. In doing so, Dorian never had to search for redemption and his rotting soul became unable to be salvaged: “‘It is too late, Basil,’” (162).
“You are the one man in the world who is entitled to know everything about me. You have had more to do with my life than you think” (159).
- Basil is unaware of the negative impact the portrait has had on Dorian’s life. Through Dorian’s perception of the situation, he is basically blaming Basil. Since Basil was the painter of the portrait, Dorian sees Basil as responsible for making his life miserable: “the man that had painted the portrait that was the origin of all his shame was to be burdened for the rest of his life with the hideous memory of what he had done” (157). Was Basil really to blame for Dorian's misery? Could Dorian have prevented the outcome of such a horrid portrait? Dorian had the ability to repent for his sins and do good. However, he chose an evil route that only led to his mental and emotional breakdown.
Definitions:
1) “Did I teach the one his vices and the other his debauchery?” (155).
Debauchery: (noun) excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures; intemperance
2) “ ‘You were to me such an ideal as I shall never meet again. This is the face of a satyr’” (161).
Satyr: (noun) a lascivious man; lecher
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