Dorian Gray #2

            Lord Henry serves as an outlet for Oscar Wilde’s radical, offensive, and paradoxical ideas in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Not only does Lord Henry exert influence over those around him, but he also is very blatant about his desire for power. He relishes in overturning common ideas and converting people into seeing his beliefs. The ability to influence so profoundly as to get people to accept views contrary to their own is the ultimate form of control. This is similar to doublethink in 1984; the Party’s ideas make logical sense simply because no one can contradict them. Harry presents his ideas so eloquently and matter-of-factly that others believe him as well. Perhaps what draws him to Dorian Gray is Dorian’s mutability. For Harry, speaking to Dorian “was like playing upon an exquisite violin. He answered to every touch and thrill of the bow…. There was something terribly enthralling in the exercise of influence” (Wilde 26). Unlike Basil, who knows when to ignore Harry’s suggestions and claims, Dorian accepts what Harry tells him as truth. Dorian has become somewhat dependent upon Harry, acknowledging that he will confess anything to him. Indeed, Dorian admits that he has fallen in love with an actress names Sybil Vane. Harry scoffs at him, claiming that “the people who love only once in their lives are really the shallow people. What they call their loyalty, and their fidelity, I call either the lethargy of custom or their lack of imagination” (36). Harry’s idea about love contradicts what most people believe. However, he presents it in a convincing way, forcing the reader to think about what he has said. Similarly, Harry influences the guests at his aunt’s luncheon. He responds to the Duchess’s question about regaining youth: “To get back one’s youth, one merely has to repeat one’s follies” (30). Harry’s claim contradicts the commonly held belief that one must learn from one’s mistakes. However, his argument persuades the guests to understand his side. Dorian in particular may be swayed by this idea in the future. Not only is he extremely susceptible to Harry’s assertions, but he also has an infatuation with his youth. Harry wields a significant amount of influence in the novel.