Dorian Gray Chpt 11

“On his return he would sit in front of the picture, sometimes loathing it and himself, but filled, at other times, with that pride of individualism that is half the fascination of sin, and smiling, with secret pleasure, at the misshapen shadow that had to bear the burden that should have been his own” (144).

Dorian Gray is a very confused individual. He seems to be having many mixed emotions towards his portrait. Gray continues to flip flop on whether owning the portrait is a positive or negative thing for him. Gray also attempts to remain optimistic: “What was it to him how vile and full of shame it looked? Even if he told them, would they believe it?” (144). Gray is trying to look at the brighter side of the situation and is also using it as motivation for himself to never reveal his secret. If Gray believes that no one would believe him when revealing the truth, then all that does is just encourage him to continue hiding the truth.

“Is it insincerity such a terrible thing? I think not. It is merely a method by which we can multiply our personalities” (146).

It comes off as no surprise that Dorian would disagree with insincerity being such a terrible thing. Why? Because Dorian’s definition of what insincerity truly is perfectly describes what Dorian has become. Dorian’s change of character from the beginning of the novel is evident. As for multiple personalities, Dorian acts according to the people who surround him. For example, when Dorian is around Basil, Dorian is the teacher and Basil is the student. Dorian thinks himself wiser, better, and more intellectual. It is the other way around when Dorian is around Lord Henry, Harry is Mr. Miyagi and Dorian is Daniel. For Daniel, Mr. Miyagi’s guidance was beneficial to him. I doubt that Lord Henry would have the same type of positive influence on Daniel.

Bequeath
–verb (used with object)
1. to dispose of (personal property, esp. money) by last will: She bequeathed her half of the company to her niece.
2. to hand down; pass on.

“Had the lover of Giovanna of Naples bequeathed him some inheritance of sin and shame?” (147).

Sordid
–adjective
1. morally ignoble or base; vile: sordid methods.
2. meanly selfish, self-seeking, or mercenary.
3. dirty or filthy.

“in the sordid room of the little ill-famed tavern near the Docks” (131).