Lord Henry Wotton

The Picture of Dorian Gray

This character is by far the most intriguing that I have come across! The conversations that he creates with the other characters is probably one of the best aspects of this book. Henry doesn't have to act a certain way in front of Dorian, he simply tells him his own views on the world around them. Their interactions prove that there is power in what people say and show the effect that words have on other people. These views and ideas are what corrupt Dorian. It is marvelous, and somewhat disturbing, to watch this young soul tortured by the ideas of someone he looks up to. Dorian cannot stay away from Henry and so far in the book has wanted very much to keep his friendship.

Here are some quotes from Lord Henry, they are all very telling of his personality and the reasons that he has such a strong impact on the life of Dorian Gray. Some of my favorites are on this list. His quotes are found all throughout the book, he never ceases to change the way the other characters think.

"What is it that has really happened? Someone has killed herself who loved you. I wish I had had such an experience. The women who have admired me, and there have been some, have always insisted on living long after I've ceased to care for them or them for me."

Lord Henry's view on tragedy is different from any other character I have encountered before. His views are strikingly different from the way most people would react to a situation. While people focus on their emotions and the way that certain situations make them feel, Lord Henry takes a step back and finds a way to look at every experience without any sensitivity. The bluntness of this statement makes the reader stop and think about their feelings on the subject. In almost every conversation Lord Henry has in the book, Wilde describes shock and amazement from the other characters. Lord Henry is meant to shock the reader as well, and he succeeds.

"The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it."

Many of Lord Henry's conversations with Dorian consist of him explaining to the young man that he should live his life without reservations. Lord Henry appears bitter with age and wants to influence Dorian to live as he wished he had in his youth. It does not seem that Lord Henry cares for the well-being of Dorian, he only cares that he uses his youth to its full potential. Rules and restrictions are not for the youth, being young is their perfect excuse.