Chapter 19, by Cecilia

Plot: The chapter consists of a talk between Lord Henry (LH) and Dorian, about Dorian’s attempt to change life, morality, Lord Henry’s divorce, Basil disappearance, art and youth

The character of Lord Henry:

p.240 “Pray, don’t change.” open contradiction to what, at p. 181, Basil said: “Lead us not into temptation.”.

p.240 “You’re quite perfect” arrogance

p.240 “There are only two ways by which man can reach civilization. One is by being cultured, the other by being corrupt.” TOK question: what do we mean with civilization?

p.241 “I should think the novelty of the new emotions must have given you a thrill of real pleasure” interrupted Lord Henry “But I can finish your idyll for you.” ; “Even as a beginning, it is poor” Sarcasm, that succeeds in make Dorian feel uncomfortable, since he changes topic (p.242) why does LH do that? Maybe he feels he’s loosing his influence, afraid Dorian is “really beginning to moralise” (p.249)

p.243 “Death is the only thing that ever terrifies me” arrogance that reveal his fear

p.243 “Poor Victoria! I was very fond of her. Of course married life is merely a habit, a bad habit. But then one regrets the loss even of one’s worst habits.“ at the end he’s distant, maybe to cover his real affection, expressed at the beginning.

p.247 Nostalgia of youth: he’s old.

p.247-8 LH envy of Dorian: the creation has overcame the master. “I wish I could change place with you, Dorian. The world has cried out against us both, but it has always worshipped you.”

Dorian about his “renounce” : is he really going to change?

No, he’s not :

“I am going to alter. I think I have altered.” not self-confident, confused?

P.240 “I spared somebody”: egocentrism

p. 241 Romanticism and sensuality through flowers and literature “apple-blossom”, “flower-like”, “like Perdita, in her garden of mint and marigold” – he just wanted to try another type of emotion.

Yes, he is :

p. 249 LH: “There was something in your touch that was wonderful.” Dorian: “It is because I am going to be good – smiling” he’s proud of himself.

p. 249 “Harry, promise me that you will never lend that book to anyone” he cares about others.

Characterization of Basil through Lord Henry

p.243 “He was not clever enough to have enemies”. P.244 “He had no curiosity” “I don’t think he would have done much more good work.” “He had lost an ideal. When you and he ceased to be great friends, he ceased to be a great artist.” Something more on Dorian’s conscience.

Relationship Dorian-Lord Henry

Dorian’s great friend of Lord Henry, but not enough to tell him everything: he didn’t tell neither about Basil’s murder nor the picture, he actually lied. Why?

LH said: p.244 “It is not in you, Dorian, to commit a murder.”fear to disappoint him?

p. 246 “How grave you are! Don’t be so serious.” fear to not be understood?

p.249 Dorian says: “You don’t know everything about me. I think that if you did, even you would turn from me. You laugh. Don’t laugh” “Why have you stopped playing, Dorian?” LH not really listening.

p. 246 “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?”

p. 249 personification of the moon: “she is waiting for you to charm her” as Dorian charmed lots of women.

p. 249-250 “Art has no influence in action.” LH afraid to have done too much.

Hints to homosexuality: p.249 “there is someone who wants immensely to know you – young Lord Poole …he has begged me … he is quite delightful” p.250 “such liliacs since the year I met you” since flowers are often used as symbols for love.