" All art is at once surface and symbol.

             Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.

             Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. ".

             During the Renaissance, Christopher Marlowe examined the human soul in his morality play, "Doctor Faustus." Over 200 years later, the high-class British world of the 19th century held youth and beauty above much more important qualities, as exhibited in Oscar Wilde's novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. In this fictional story, themes from Marlowe's famous work is seen through the main character, Dorian Gray. In his pursuit of aestheticism, Dorian desires to achieve a goal that is unattainable in real life: eternal youth. Subsequently, upon viewing a portrait of himself, he decides to sell his soul in order to achieve this supernatural goal. Wilde's epigram from the preface of the novel is proven by Dorian's self-destruction as he transfers his own soul into the portrait. Three essential factors to the success of Dorian's Faustian contract is the influence of Lord Henry, Dorian's own attitudes and behaviors, and Basil's enthusiasm which gives symbolism to the painting.

             Despite being a pure and inexperienced man at first, Dorian's decadent actions during the story are prompted by the theories of Lord Henry Wotton. Lord Henry's attempt to influence Dorian is responsible for many of the wrong choices Dorian makes. Initially unadulterated by society, Dorian's views change when Lord Henry tells him that he is presently at the peak of his life. Basil Hallward recognizes Lord Henry's tendencies and tells him not to "spoil" his innocent Dorian; "Don't try to influence him. Your influence would be bad." Ignoring Basil's wishes, Lord Henry utilizes his charm and paradoxical manner of speaking to overwhelm Dorian. He speaks of age as a dreadful condition that will cause Dorian to "suffer greatly." Lord Henry knows how impressionable young Dorian is and takes full advantage.