In the story of The Picture of Dorian Gray, we come across moral and ethical dilemmas in light of beauty
and youth. When Dorian Gray realizes his beauty and youth, his transformation begins towards a
morally deteriorated person. With further reading in the book, we see different events and understand
his corrupt and selfish identity even more. For instance his romantic relationship with Sibly Vane further
demonstrates his personality as well as expectations of society. He brags about the beauty and youth of
Sibly Vane but when she performs badly on the stage, he breaks up with her. I think Dorian Gray depicts
a perfectionist picture which involves beauty, youth, talent etc. As a result, his expectations from his
girlfriend is also same to the point of wanting a perfect girlfriend.
Towards the end of the story, Dorian Gray’s relationship with Basil can be considered to extreme
approaches. Basil tries to show the importance of the soul and he points out his picture is gone very bad
because of Dorian’s hideous behaviours. But Dorian Gray refuses his critics and murders him. I think
Dorian becomes someone who is not open to judgments and critics when his personality and identity
are targeted. Basil knows his dark side however other people don’t know so they rely on his beauty and
youth that is why they are usually tricked by the surface level beauty and youth.
and youth. When Dorian Gray realizes his beauty and youth, his transformation begins towards a
morally deteriorated person. With further reading in the book, we see different events and understand
his corrupt and selfish identity even more. For instance his romantic relationship with Sibly Vane further
demonstrates his personality as well as expectations of society. He brags about the beauty and youth of
Sibly Vane but when she performs badly on the stage, he breaks up with her. I think Dorian Gray depicts
a perfectionist picture which involves beauty, youth, talent etc. As a result, his expectations from his
girlfriend is also same to the point of wanting a perfect girlfriend.
Towards the end of the story, Dorian Gray’s relationship with Basil can be considered to extreme
approaches. Basil tries to show the importance of the soul and he points out his picture is gone very bad
because of Dorian’s hideous behaviours. But Dorian Gray refuses his critics and murders him. I think
Dorian becomes someone who is not open to judgments and critics when his personality and identity
are targeted. Basil knows his dark side however other people don’t know so they rely on his beauty and
youth that is why they are usually tricked by the surface level beauty and youth.
