TPODG Draft.

Ericka Freyre
The Picture of Dorian Grey: Influence


ALOT TO WORK ON!

Influence plays a big part in our everyday lives. Influence can be used for creativity, love and manipulation. All in which have to do with the imagination. In the story The Picture of Doran Grey all these influences are brought to life and shown in Basil Hallward, Dorian Grey as well as Sybil Vane.


In all four characters they are influenced in this way that two with what can be viewed as a positive outcome and two with a negative outcome. Basil’s love for Dorian Grey betters his painting career by painting a masterpiece. As well as the love Sybil has for Dorian gives her the experience of true love. On the other hand the influence of Lord Henry destroys Dorian Grey's perception. Just as Dorian Grey’s love for Sybil destroyed her creativity. In all situations they end badly no matter how positive the intentions are. But also in the perspective that all along it was Dorian causing the negative influence.

Throughout the whole story Dorian Grey actually becomes the bad influence. Perhaps the only reason Lord Henry spoke those words to Dorian was simply because Dorian’s sex appeal is what triggered Lord Henry to speak words he did not know he would say. Just like Basil became in terror over Dorian’s looks and the love for Dorian killed Sybil’s imagination. All these different influences cause one ending.

Influence can have a different outcome. Influence comes from being influenced. And being influenced has many different outcomes.