The Picture of Dorian Gray #2

1.) “Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic. Worlds had to be in travail, that the meanest flower might blow” (39).

Lord Henry seeks his uncle to learn more information about Dorian Gray. He learns his mother was beautiful and she could marry anyone she wanted. Instead she chose to marry a poor young man. Her father did not approve this; and as a result, he had his daughter’s new husband killed and she died within a year. The child, Dorian Gray, was born out of pain and distress. In order for something wonderful to happen, something dreadful needs to happen. This relates to Dorian’s past and possibly his future. Behind Dorian’s life there was a tragedy. Similarly, for Dorian to keep his beauty something tragic must occur.


2.) “I cannot sympathize with that. It is too ugly, too horrible, too distressing. There is something terribly morbid in the modern sympathy with pain. One should sympathize with the color, the beauty, the joy of life. The less said about life’s sores the better” (43).

Lord Henry horrifies the guests by saying he cannot sympathize with suffering. He goes against his aunt’s and the guest’s philanthropic nature by indicating he has no concern for those who are affected by misery. This once again shows his insensible and uncompassionate nature. Instead of focusing on the negative things in life, he believes we should acknowledge beauty and happiness. He feels by accepting and focusing on suffering we will be tormented. By concentrating on pleasure, one will enjoy a better life. Although the people initially do not agree with his views, Lord Henry’s intellect is able to persuade them.

Vocab Words:

1.) Supercilious: haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression
"'I am told, on excellent authority, that ther father keeps an American dry-goods store,' said Sir Thomas Burdon, looking supercilious" (41).

2.) Liveried: Characteristic dress, garb, or outward appearance
“At last, liveried in the costume of the age, Reality entered the room in the shape of a servant to tell the Duchess that her carriage was waiting” (45).