The Picture of Dorian Gray: Ch. 1 & 2

"Beauty is a form of Genius-is higher, indeed, than Genius, as it needs no explanations. [...] It cannot be questioned" (24).

Dorian Gray is beauty. Art is also beautiful. Therefore, Dorian Gray is art. The problem with this is that Basil, the artist, has put too much of his personal feelings, in this case love for Dorian, into his painting: "He is all my art to me now" (11). His love for Dorian is preventing him from reaching art's aim because the aim of art is "to reveal art and conceal the artist" (1). Dorian has become a part of Basil and Basil is extremely attached to him. Thus, Basil cannot exhibit the painting because he cannot separate himself from Dorian. This quote also justifies why Basil gives into him so easily: "Dorian's whims are laws to everybody, except himself" (19). In other words, Dorian's whims are not questioned or rejected, but are simply fulfilled. For example, when Dorian complains about how "dull standing on a platform and trying to look pleasant is" (19) and requests Lord Henry to give him company, Basil convinces Lord Henry to stay even though he wants him to leave: "Stay, Harry, to oblige Dorian. [...] I beg you to stay" (19). Basil could have simply overruled Dorian's request for Lord Henry to stay and tell him to leave, but instead he found some justification as to why it would make sense for Lord Henry to stay: "It is quite true, [...] it must be dreadfully tedious for my unfortunate sitters" (19). Aside from Dorian's lack of maturity, other characteristics about him are also revealed. When Lord Henry talks to him about growing old, Dorian's naiveness is disclosed as he worries about getting old and wrinkly. Dorian can also be seen as selfish because he wants to stay young forever. He cannot simply bask in his youth while he has it and appreciate his gift of beauty; Dorian needs to stay youthful, like his painting.