Dorian Gray #1

            Oscar Wilde develops intriguing relationships between three of his characters at the beginning of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Wilde begins by introducing Basil Hallward, an artist, and his friend Lord Henry Wotton. They seem to understand each other and have a well-established relationship. Harry says some rather offensive things, but Basil does not pay them any mind. Following Harry’s discourse on the immorality of both the upper and lower classes, Basil responds, “I don’t agree with a single word that you’ve said, and, what is more, Harry, I feel sure you don’t either” (Wilde 7). Based on Basil’s reactions, Harry is not as immoral and heartless as he presents himself to be. If the reader is to trust Basil’s interpretation, Harry merely spews controversial ideas to get people to react to him. Harry and Basil appear to have a comfortable relationship in which they balance each other out.

            Dorian Gray adds another dynamic to Basil and Harry’s friendship. Both men have some sort of strong feelings for Dorian. Basil meets Dorian at a party and immediately feels a connection to him. Dorian becomes the subject of Basil’s portrait, a portrait so personal that Basil refuses to show it to the public. When asked how often he sees Dorian, Basil replies, “Every day. I couldn’t be happy if I didn’t see him every day. He is absolutely necessary to me” (7). Basil is reluctant to allow Harry to meet him, yet when Dorian asks Harry to stay, Basil requests the same in order to please him. There is a possessive quality to their relationship; Basil wants Dorian all to himself. Harry is likewise fascinated by Dorian, and he decides to advise Dorian to just live to serve himself and stop resisting temptations. Dorian finds himself captivated by the idea. Harry “felt intensely interested. He was amazed at the sudden impression that his words had produced […] He had merely shot an arrow into the air. Had it hit the mark? How fascinating the lad was!” (14). Harry’s thoughts support Basil’s belief that Harry enjoys being controversial for the sake of being provocative. He seems to have some desire to influence Dorian, and this wish may cause some division in his relationship with Basil. Already he is stealing Dorian away, and Basil may come to resent him for it.