1988. Choose a distinguished novel or play in which some of the most significant events are mental or psychological; for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness. In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to give these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external action. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian Gray's appearance stays the same, while his portrait changes with his sins and time. The portrait shows what Dorian should look like. After being strongly influenced by Lord Henry, Dorian believes that beauty is the only worthwhile aspect of life. With this idea in mind, he ignores what his true self looks like, the portrait, and only concerns himself with what he looks like.
Dorian tells Sybil that he does not love her anymore, because her only beauty was on her acting, Dorian notices that his portrait has changed. Later, Dorian tries to reconcile with Sybil, only to learn that she had committed suicide. He dismisses her suicide realizing that his life will be lust and looks. This is where Dorian renounces all of his innocence and completely changes his personality. To deal with the loss of Sybil, Dorian leads an indulgent lifestyle. After 18 years, Dorian invites Basil over and shows him the painting. When Basil sees the painting, he is horrified. Dorian lashes out and blames Basil for it and ends up killing him with a knife.
Dorian tries to escape his guilt by going to an opium den. Dorian again has misgivings about who he is and tries to run away from what he really looks like. By the end of the novel, Dorian ends up stabbing his portrait killing himself. His battle between what he actually looks like and his image drives him crazy.
The constant battle that Dorian has with himself and his portrait makes the novel very interesting. Lord Henry’s influence changes Dorian’s outlook on life and embodies what the portrait becomes, while still maintaining the image of an innocent boy.
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