Our introduction to the character of Dorian Gray was meant primarily to prove his innocence and purity, perhaps in an effort to highlight his transformation to a man of little morality who's primary pursuit is pleasure. As the portrait is described before Dorian is even introduced in person to the novel, our first impressions of him are primarily based on his outward appearance, which happens to be strikingly beautiful. The narrator describes Dorian as "...a young man of extraordina

ry personal beauty" (1). If we agree with a statement that Lord Henry later presents where he says an intelligent or corrupted man could not be beautiful, for it would show on his face (2) - a statement that today's society seems to be in agreement with, we might assume that Dorian Gray is innocent and pure, with a mind just waiting to be filled with ideas. Unfortunately, this easily influenced young man is introduced to Lord Henry, who's cynical, amoral, and pleasure-seeking outlook on life seems to rub off on Dorian, as we will later see. Lady Agatha, Lord Henry's aunt and an acquaintance of Dorian, describes Dorian as "a wonderful young man..." (11). She also said, "he was very earnest and had a beautiful nature." (11). Our theme of the power of influence on a person is foreshadowed as Basil says to Harry about Dorian, "Don't spoil him. Don't try to influence him. Your influence would be bad" (12). These few lines are further influenced as they appear near the very end of a chapter, and left us thinking about the importance or relevance of the little conversation. Dorian's innocence and purity is also emphasized by his mannerisms when Basil is getting him to sit for the portrait. Dorian behaves much as a child would, and this causes us to regard him as easily influenced as a child and as pure. For example, when Dorian asks to borrow a book from Basil, Basil reply's by saying that it depended on how he sat that day. That is not how a person would treat a young man, but perhaps how one would treat a child. This is further exemplified when Dorian retorts, "Oh, I am tired of sitting..." (12). Dorian is behaving like a child, showing his innocence in order to later contrast with his pleasure-seeking, conscience-free nature, and to show how easily influenced Dorian is. This parallel with a child appears again when Dorian says he will not sit for Basil unless Lord Henry can stay and talk to him (13). This is also childish. Before Dorian is really under the influence of Harry he is a beautiful character, both inside and out. Lord Henry remarks to himself about Dorian, "All the candour of youth was there, as well as all youth's passionate purity. One felt that he had kept himself unspotted from the world" (13). When he professes his love to Sybil Vane he has no concern or care for what other's think, he cares only for her. All of these examples

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Approximate Word count = 1600
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)