Dorian Gray Chapter 6 – Discussion

Summary

In this analysis of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' the sixth chapter reveals Dorian's infatuation with the actress Sibyl Vane, influenced by Lord Henry's hedonistic philosophy. Dorian's pursuit of pleasure and new experiences leads him to love based on romanticized stage portrayals rather than genuine affection. The rift between Dorian and his mentor Basil deepens as Dorian embraces a life of aestheticism and moral corruption, with Lord Henry's cynical worldview shaping his actions and relationships.

Takeaways

• 🎭 Dorian Gray's obsession with Sibyl Vane is influenced by Lord Henry's teachings on hedonism and the pursuit of new experiences and sensations.
• 🌟 Dorian is drawn to Sibyl Vane's beauty and the romantic portrayal of love in her acting, rather than genuine love or her character.
• 🖼️ Dorian's relationship with Basil is strained due to the influence of Lord Henry, indicating a shift from a pure nature to one corrupted by hedonistic ideals.
• 💔 The irony of Dorian being tied to a 'vile creature' in the form of Lord Henry, who promotes selfishness and superficial values over true morality.
• 🎨 Dorian's declaration of love for Sibyl is described as 'inverted commas' love, suggesting it is more an infatuation with the idea of love than genuine affection.
• 📖 Dorian's engagement to Sibyl is kept a secret, reflecting his detachment from reality and the fantasy world he inhabits.
• 🌲 Dorian's fantasy is further highlighted by his reference to finding Sibyl in an 'orchard in Verona,' indicating a life more influenced by fiction than truth.
• 🏵️ Dorian's transformation is acknowledged by his own words, where he claims to change when with Sibyl, yet this change is not as positive as he perceives.
• 🤔 Dorian's internal conflict is evident as he admits to regretting Lord Henry's teachings when with Sibyl, yet remains under his influence.
• 💡 Lord Henry's philosophy is summarized by his belief that pleasure is the only thing worth having, promoting a life of pure hedonism.
• 👥 The rift between Dorian and Basil is finalized as Dorian chooses the path of hedonism and superficiality over the genuine connection he once had with Basil.

Q & A

What is the main reason Dorian Gray becomes obsessed with Sibyl Vane?

Dorian Gray becomes obsessed with Sibyl Vane due to Lord Henry's influence and the new Hedonism, which emphasizes seeking pleasure and chasing new sensations and experiences.

How does Lord Henry's influence on Dorian Gray affect his perception of beauty and love?

Lord Henry's influence leads Dorian to value aestheticism and beauty over good morals and values. This affects his perception of love, making him more attracted to the romanticized depiction of love on stage rather than true love.

What does Dorian Gray's attraction to Sibyl Vane say about his character at this point in the story?

Dorian Gray's attraction to Sibyl Vane indicates that he is drawn to art and the fantasy of love, rather than genuine connection or true love, showing his increasing detachment from reality and moral values.

Why does Lord Henry express hope that Dorian will become fascinated by someone else after being passionately in love with Sibyl for six months?

Lord Henry's hope for Dorian to become fascinated by someone else reflects his selfish and cruel nature, valuing the spectacle of Dorian's life unraveling over the well-being of his friend.

How does the relationship between Dorian and Basil change as the story progresses?

The relationship between Dorian and Basil deteriorates as Dorian becomes more influenced by Lord Henry. The gap in their relationship is emphasized by Dorian not informing Basil about his engagement and their decreasing interactions.

What does Dorian's statement about leaving Sibyl in the forest of Ardan and finding her in an orchard in Verona suggest about his perception of reality?

Dorian's statement suggests that he is living in a fantasy world, where his relationship with Sibyl is more about the romanticized idea of love from theater and fiction than a genuine, real-life connection.

How does Dorian's view of Sibyl as an object to be placed on a pedestal reflect his understanding of love?

Dorian's view of Sibyl as an object to be placed on a pedestal shows his immature and misguided understanding of love, treating her as a possession to be admired rather than as a person to be valued and respected.

What does Lord Henry's theory that pleasure is the only thing worth having signify about his philosophy of life?

Lord Henry's theory signifies a pure Hedonistic philosophy, where the pursuit of pleasure and personal enjoyment is the ultimate goal in life, disregarding other aspects such as morality and the well-being of others.

How does Dorian's declaration that he regrets all that Lord Henry has taught him when he is with Sibyl reflect his internal conflict?

Dorian's declaration reflects his internal conflict between the romanticized love he feels for Sibyl and the hedonistic and selfish values instilled in him by Lord Henry, showing his struggle to reconcile these opposing influences.

What does Lord Henry's statement that Dorian will always like him despite finding him dreadful reveal about their relationship?

Lord Henry's statement reveals a manipulative aspect of their relationship, where he is aware of his negative influence on Dorian but is confident that Dorian will remain drawn to him, representing the sins Dorian is too afraid to commit.

Why does Basil feel that Dorian Gray will never be the same to him after Dorian and Lord Henry leave him behind?

Basil feels that Dorian Gray will never be the same because he recognizes that the influence of Lord Henry and now Sibyl Vane has come between them, altering Dorian's character and their once close relationship.