The Picture of Dorian Gray # 11

1.)“It is perfectly monstrous,” he said, at last, “the way people go about nowadays saying things against one behind one’s back that are absolutely and entirely true” (183).

Lord Henry brings up an important question, why do people talk about other people behind their backs? If something is entirely true, why do they feel the need to hide it? It is because people feel better when they get something off their chest, but they are too fearful to confront that person. For example, many people talked about Dorian behind his back. Basil, trying to be a good friend, wanted to share this with Dorian. He was open and honest with Dorian, but Dorian would not accept what he said. The truth was too painful and hard for Dorian to bear. Reality was overwhelming, and as a result, he killed Basil. Most people are fearful something similar will occur. Everyone talks about others, because it makes them feel like they are helping someone. When people share the truth, they don’t want to be attacked. They want someone who will agree with them, not disagree.


2.)“One’s days were too brief to take the burden of another’s errors on one’s shoulders. Each man lived his own life, and paid his own price for living it” (194).

“Life is too short to live for anyone but yourself.” No two lives are the same; every life is unique and special. You should want to live your own life, without anyone’s influence. The decisions we make show what type of people we are. Dorian made a mistake; he would have to live with the consequences. Rarely in life do you get a chance to start over. However, how you respond to your mistakes can change who you are. If you recognize your sins and promise to do better, you will be successful. The better life you live, the lesser price you will pay.


Vocab. Words:

1.) Incorrigible: impervious to constraints or punishment; willful; unruly; uncontrollable
“Isn’t he incorrigible?” cried Dorian, leaning forward in his chair” (183).

2.)Corroborative: to make more certain; confirm
“If you want any corroborative evidence on the subject you can ask him” (186).