In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian’s misconceptions about life, love and his practice of “new Hedonism” ruins a number of lives, but arguably, none more than the life of Sibyl Vane. The destruction of Sibyl Vane at the hands of Dorian Gray is the turning point of the novel that leads Dorian to further his practices and ultimately corrupt himself to the point of no return. Although, critics and the like frequently talk about Sibyl’s death and her influence as a love interest on Dorian, other aspects of their relationship and similarities are less discussed. Sibyl Vane acts as a foil to Dorian Gray, in regards to what he used to be and what he is to become after she has left her impression on him. Dorian’s destruction of Sibyl Vane leads to
…show more content…
It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible” (Wilde, 22). Dorian very obviously judges others by their appearances throughout the novel, and this notion extends to his interactions with Sibyl. As previously stated, his sole reason for loving her so much is her ability as an actress to exceptionally portray beauty and art. Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian is the catalyst for his behavior when interacting with Sibyl Vane. The “new Hedonism” that he has put into practice leads to his infatuation with her, as an actress, rather than a person. Dorian explicitly states that Sibyl’s artistry is the reasoning behind his feelings for her – “She has not merely art, consummate art-instinct, in her, but she has personality also; and you have often told that it is personalities, not principles, that move the age” (Wilde, 50). Vera Profit agrees with Dickson specifically in the case of Dorian’s infatuation for Sibyl. Profit states, “Dorian only focuses on the roles she plays on stage or in his life and never on her essential self” (Profit, 2011). Dorian’s focus on what Sibyl plays rather than what Sibyl truly is as a person is at the core of the problems associated with their relationship. Once Sibyl stops “acting” the way Dorian interprets as artistry and beauty, she loses any semblance of attraction …show more content…
Her attributes contrast with Dorian’s present characteristics, as well as future characteristics later in the novel, but unlike a normalized definition of a foil, Sibyl Vane does more. Not only does she contrast Dorian in the time in which she is present in the novel, but her naiveté and romantic misconceptions also exemplify Dorian before the influence of Lord Henry. Dickson argues that, “in the early stage of their courtship, Dorian is as naive about life mirroring art as she is. He can only conceive of their love in terms of a stage romance” (Dickson, 1986). He parallels their unrealistic romantic notions about their romance; this point is especially powerful because it was Dorian’s belief of what love is supposed to look and feel like that lead to the destructive path he took in regards to their
It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances. The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible” (Wilde, 22). Dorian very obviously judges others by their appearances throughout the novel, and this notion extends to his interactions with Sibyl. As previously stated, his sole reason for loving her so much is her ability as an actress to exceptionally portray beauty and art. Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian is the catalyst for his behavior when interacting with Sibyl Vane. The “new Hedonism” that he has put into practice leads to his infatuation with her, as an actress, rather than a person. Dorian explicitly states that Sibyl’s artistry is the reasoning behind his feelings for her – “She has not merely art, consummate art-instinct, in her, but she has personality also; and you have often told that it is personalities, not principles, that move the age” (Wilde, 50). Vera Profit agrees with Dickson specifically in the case of Dorian’s infatuation for Sibyl. Profit states, “Dorian only focuses on the roles she plays on stage or in his life and never on her essential self” (Profit, 2011). Dorian’s focus on what Sibyl plays rather than what Sibyl truly is as a person is at the core of the problems associated with their relationship. Once Sibyl stops “acting” the way Dorian interprets as artistry and beauty, she loses any semblance of attraction …show more content…
Her attributes contrast with Dorian’s present characteristics, as well as future characteristics later in the novel, but unlike a normalized definition of a foil, Sibyl Vane does more. Not only does she contrast Dorian in the time in which she is present in the novel, but her naiveté and romantic misconceptions also exemplify Dorian before the influence of Lord Henry. Dickson argues that, “in the early stage of their courtship, Dorian is as naive about life mirroring art as she is. He can only conceive of their love in terms of a stage romance” (Dickson, 1986). He parallels their unrealistic romantic notions about their romance; this point is especially powerful because it was Dorian’s belief of what love is supposed to look and feel like that lead to the destructive path he took in regards to their