I should like to come to the theatre with you, Lord Henry,' said the lad - NSC English HL - Question 7 - 2022 - Paper 2

The term 'lad' implies Dorian's status as a young boy or adolescent, highlighting his immaturity and inexperience. It evokes a sense of naivety in Dorian’s outlook on life, suggesting that he is easily influenced by the seductive and hedonistic ideas presented by Lord Henry. This characterization underlines Dorian's vulnerability and susceptibility to corruption as he navigates through life.

Loyalty and fidelity are unimportant to Lord Henry; he perceives such concepts as antiquated and repressive. For him, the pursuit of self-indulgence outweighs the need for unwavering loyalty to others. Lord Henry embodies a philosophy of self-serving behavior, challenging the traditional notion of commitment by enjoying a life marked by cynicism and controversial ideas.

Basil struggles with distinguishing Dorian, the person, from Dorian, the portrait. He sees the representation in the painting as a distorted reflection that does not account for Dorian's evolving character and moral decay. As the narrative progresses, the contrast between Dorian's aesthetic beauty and his internal corruption underscores Basil’s conflict, causing him distress as he grapples with the implications of his artistic creation.

Basil is horrified to see how the portrait of Dorian has transformed, reflecting the latter's moral degradation. Upon recognizing the depravity mirrored in the painting, Basil is dismayed by what Dorian has become and is troubled by the realization that his art now encapsulates a vile image. This reaction reveals Basil’s deep emotional connection to his work and his ethical concerns about the influence of art on reality.

The image in the painting effectively illustrates Dorian's deteriorating morality. It captures the physical manifestations of his inner corruption, akin to leprosy, where the once virtuous essence of his character is consumed by sin and debauchery. As Dorian's actions lead to moral degeneration, the portrait serves as a constant reminder of his lost purity and the haunting consequences of his choices.

Dorian grapples with accountability for his behavior, as the portrait allows him to separate himself from the consequences of his actions. He becomes increasingly aware that society's expectations and the influence of the portrait absolve him of personal responsibility, yet he consciously chooses to engage in hedonistic pursuits. This duality raises questions about free will and moral accountability in the face of external pressures.

Dorian’s hatred towards Basil is complex and intertwined with feelings of betrayal and contempt. While Basil's role in creating the portrait could be seen as an act of guidance, Dorian perceives it as a superficial means of control. He feels constrained by Basil’s moral compass and lashes out as a means of asserting his individuality. Alternatively, one could argue that Dorian's hatred stems from a deeper fear of confronting his own corruption, as Basil serves as a reflection of the goodness he has forsaken.