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The Presentation of Influence in 'Dorian Gray' Essay
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Influence in Oscar Wilde’s ‘Picture of Dorian Gray’The theme of influence is a central idea running through renowned author Oscar Wilde’s,
‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’. Throughout the novel we witness many characters being
subject to this reoccurring idea - in particular, the radiantly handsome character of Dorian
Gray who we learn to be a very impressionable young gentleman. This product of influence
comes from a variety of factors, however most commonly through Basil Hallward and Lord
Henry Wotton. Throughout the novel Wilde demonstrates how influence is so strong that it
has the ability to overpower ones conscious and perhaps makes one do things which they
had not thought of doing before, or rather awaken those thoughts which have been hidden
for a period of time yet still always there.
Firstly, Lord Henry acts as a type of mentor towards the young and susceptible Dorian where
some could argue that he seems almost like a paternal figure, however in complete contrast
to Basil, Lord Henry appears as an entirely negative influence to Dorian’s life, driving him to
live a morally wrong life. Wilde’s creation of this astonishingly eccentric and flamboyant
character allows Henry to influence Dorian through his very careful word choice, the use of
his many paradoxes as well as the infinite amount of epigrams – he knows exactly what to
say and when to say it. His influence upon Dorian is solely derived from the beliefs and
values of those in the aristocracy during Victorian society, placing a very high importance on
art, the significance of youth and beauty and ultimately having very little care for any
struggles of anyone else, identifying himself at a much higher level to others whilst living his
hedonistic lifestyle. One of the first moments which signify the influence Lord Henry has
over Dorian is during their first meeting together, demonstrated through the use of free
indirect discourse as Dorian’s inner thoughts are revealed, it “had touched some secret
chord, that had never been touched before”. When they first met, despite Basil’s plea to
Lord Henry that he should not influence him since his “influence would be bad”, it was clear
that Henry’s influence would inevitably affect Dorian. The delicacy of the repeated word
‘touched’ in some ways underlines the intimacy of the first exchange between the two
gentlemen – a relationship which only grows stronger throughout the novel. Not only does
Wilde demonstrate the power of influence from young Dorian’s perspective, but he also
explores the way in which Lord Henry reacts. Using the metaphor, “talking to him was like
playing upon an exquisite violin. He answered to every touch and thrill of the bow” Wilde
illustrates how easy it is for Henry to make an impact on Dorian but more so, this musical
image suggests how it was as though Lord Henry was delicately yet intentionally,
orchestrating this characters life. It is also apparent that Lord Henry seems to take joy in
acting as the conductor in Dorian’s life, having complete control of what comes out of the
instrument and watches with pleasure as he transforms this impressionable gentleman.
Basil Hallward is also an example of someone who tries to push his influence onto Dorian,
although is arguably far less successful than Lord Henry. Directly contrasting to Lord Henry,
Basil appears as a ray of light and morality, however emerging during a time where Dorian
was already so immersed in Lord Henry’s influence that Basil’s own influence would often be
ignored. Basil can often be described as being the physical representation of the softer
concept of aestheticism, in that he values art and the more expressive features of life over
the theoretical or political. However, Basil has not been consumed in the way that Lord
Henry has over the power of youth, beauty and hedonism, making him rather more humane
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