Dorian Gray #5

            The relationship between Dorian and Basil changes as they express their true feelings for each other. Dorian admits that Basil is a better influence than Lord Henry: “Of course I am very fond of Harry. But I know that you are better than he is. You are not stronger—you are much too afraid of life—but you are better” (Wilde 81). Basil acts as a paternal figure for Dorian. He tries to console Dorian when Sibyl Vane dies, and, finding that Dorian has chosen to move on with his life and forget her, tells him that he is headed down a bad path. Basil tries to tell Dorian the harsh truths that Dorian has chosen not to hear. However, Basil is hindered in his attempt to change Dorian’s attitude by his love and obsession for him. Although Dorian views Basil as a parental influence, Basil views Dorian as his muse. As Dorian pressures him, Basil admits, “I was dominated, soul, brain, and power by you” (83). Basil loves Dorian too much to risk his friendship by displeasing him. Although he wishes to see the portrait, Basil agrees never to ask to see it again when Dorian gets angry at him. Dorian has always held a remarkable amount of power over Basil, and now that Basil has confirmed it, Dorian can continue to exploit his friendship. Dorian finds it interesting that “instead of having been forced to reveal his own secret, he had succeeded, almost by chance, in wrestling a secret from his friend!” (85). As the years pass, it seems as though Dorian can influence everyone around him except Harry. Dorian sits in an esteemed place in society, and although some are suspicious about his activities, no one addresses him directly about them. Basil has the power to confront Dorian and potentially change his ways, but he seems to be too afraid to do so.