Dorian Gray Chpts 9 and 10

“It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion. A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure” (112).

Through the quote above Harry’s influence on Dorian is made very clear and evident. Dorian’s tone while speaking has changed from the beginning of the novel. It seems as if Dorian’s intention while speaking is to sound as insightful and persuasive as Lord Henry. This is not working for Dorian, especially not with Basil: “you talk as if you had no heart, no pity in you. It is all Harry’s influence. I see that” (112). Also, personally, I believe that the point that Dorian is try to make is very idiotic and not fully thought through. For in my opinion, shallow people are the ones that fail to express emotion.

“Beneath its purple pall the face painted on the canvas could grow bestial, sodden, and unclean. What did it matter? No one could see it. He himself would not see it. Why should he watch the hideous corruption of his soul?” (125).

In the quote above, what I predicted would happen just occurred. My theory was that because the portrait would be bearing Dorian’s sins, it would encourage him to continue to do wrong since his sins are not publicly shown. This is rather disappointing to hear because of how genuine and sincere Basil is, and how Dorian is just taking advantage of his kindness. Dorian is abusing the picture that took a long time to create. My perspective on Dorian has changed completely from the beginning of the book. I used to admire Dorian’s ability to go against the cruel things Lord Henry would say and now Dorian has been manipulated into believing and reciting all of Lord Henry’s beliefs.

Garrulous
–adjective
1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters.

2. wordy or diffuse:

“She lingered for a few moments, and was garrulous over some detail of the household” (122).

Impecuniosity
–adjective
having little or no money; penniless; poor.


“whose admiration for art was considerably tempered by the inveterate impecuniosity of most of the artists who dwelt with him” (123).