Dorian Gray Chapter 4 – Discussion

Summary

In Chapter 4 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' Lord Henry's influence over Dorian becomes more pronounced, as he molds Dorian into a physical embodiment of his own ideals. Dorian, under Henry's guidance, pursues new experiences and sensations, leading to a swift engagement with actress Sibyl Vane. Despite his earlier reluctance to marry, Dorian's transformation under Henry's 'artistic' influence is complete, as he embraces superficiality and the pursuit of aesthetic pleasure, with little regard for true character or depth.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Lord Henry considers himself an artist, using his charm and wit to shape Dorian Gray, much like a sculptor uses a chisel.
• 🖌️ The idea of life and art being interchangeable is a central theme, with Lord Henry molding Dorian as his art piece, reflecting his own vanity and desire for influence.
• 👰 Dorian's engagement to Sibyl Vane is influenced by Lord Henry's views, showing Dorian's susceptibility to Lord Henry's persuasive charm and ideas.
• 🔄 Dorian's transformation from a shy, innocent individual to someone seeking new experiences and sensations is largely a result of Lord Henry's influence.
• 💔 The impact of Lord Henry's philosophy on Dorian's relationships is evident, as Dorian distances himself from Basil, who offers good advice that contradicts Lord Henry's views.
• 👩‍❤️‍👨 Dorian's infatuation with Sibyl is superficial, focusing on her appearance and stage presence rather than her true character, highlighting the theme of aestheticism.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about the nature of love and commitment, as Dorian quickly moves from denying the possibility of marriage to being engaged, influenced by Lord Henry's cynical views on relationships.
• 📜 The use of aphorisms and epigrams by Lord Henry to express his views on life, art, and relationships is a key stylistic feature of the novel, emphasizing his wit and the power of his words.
• 🧐 Lord Henry's pleasure in observing Dorian's changes and his disregard for the consequences of his influence reveal a lack of empathy and a self-centered perspective on life.
• 🚫 The script suggests that Lord Henry's views are not only superficial but also potentially harmful, as they encourage Dorian to pursue experiences without considering the moral implications.
• 📚 The contrast between the characters' appreciation of art and life experiences, and their understanding of love and relationships, provides a critique of the aesthetic movement and its potential pitfalls.

Q & A

How does Lord Henry view himself in relation to art in Chapter 4 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'?

Lord Henry considers himself to be an artist or a sculptor in the metaphorical sense, using his charm, wit, and influence to shape Dorian Gray, turning him into a more physically attractive version of himself, as if Dorian were a piece of art.

What does Lord Henry believe he is achieving by molding Dorian Gray?

Lord Henry believes he is countering the effects of an age that he perceives as limited and vulgar by molding Dorian into a marvelous type of boy. He sees this as his form of art and hopes to take his place among the artistic masters like Michelangelo.

How does Lady Henry recognize Dorian Gray when she first encounters him?

Lady Henry recognizes Dorian Gray through his photographs, of which her husband, Lord Henry, has collected 17, and by having seen him with her husband at the Opera.

What does Dorian Gray's engagement to Sibyl Vane signify about his character development?

Dorian Gray's sudden engagement to Sibyl Vane signifies a significant change in his character, as he initially claimed he would never marry. This shows the influence of Lord Henry's views on Dorian and his growing desire for new experiences.

What is the difference between an aphorism and an epigram as discussed in the script?

An aphorism is a short, clever saying intended to express a general truth, while an epigram is a witty, clever expression or remark, often put in a humorous way. Aphorisms aim to explain truths, whereas epigrams aim to sound clever.

How does Lord Henry's view on marriage reflect his character?

Lord Henry's view on marriage as something not to be entered into lightly, due to his belief that men and women are disappointed by it, reflects his cynical and superficial nature, valuing appearance and wit over deeper connections.

What does Dorian Gray's infatuation with Sibyl Vane reveal about his changing values?

Dorian Gray's infatuation with Sibyl Vane, based primarily on her appearance and the roles she plays on stage, reveals that his values are shifting towards aestheticism and superficial judgments under Lord Henry's influence.

How does Lord Henry's attitude towards women in Chapter 4 reflect his misogyny?

Lord Henry's attitude towards women is revealed as misogynistic through his comments that women are decorative and have nothing to say but say it charmingly. He also dismisses the idea of loyalty and fidelity in relationships as a lack of imagination.

What does the phrase 'premature' signify in the context of Dorian Gray's transformation under Lord Henry's influence?

The term 'premature' signifies that Dorian Gray has been exposed to experiences and influences that he might not have encountered at his age or stage of life, leading to an unnatural and potentially harmful development of his character.

How does Lord Henry's pleasure in watching Dorian change reflect his lack of empathy?

Lord Henry's pleasure in watching Dorian change, regardless of the outcome, shows a lack of empathy and concern for Dorian's well-being. He views Dorian's life as an experiment and takes pleasure in the process without considering the potential negative consequences.

What is the significance of Sibyl Vane referring to Dorian Gray as 'Prince Charming'?

The significance of Sibyl Vane referring to Dorian as 'Prince Charming' is that it creates a persona for Dorian that is separate from his true identity. This persona becomes important later in the novel when it is used to disguise his true identity, especially in the opium den scene.