Dorian is quickly won over by Lord Henry's argument that everyone must face the horrible fact of aging, and he takes the implications of the inevitability of aging grimly. Following this realization, Dorian comments on his self-portrait “Why should it keep what [he] must [lose]” (26)? This is particularly poignant because it illustrates the transition that comes with age, one whereby the individual loses their purity. Youth, for Wilde and for Dorian, is where we maintain the sense of purity. Dorian assesses that the portrait manages to keep its purity, even though Dorian himself must undergo a loss of his purity to the influences of evil (For instance, Henry and the force of charm). This is due to Dorian’s exposure to these forces in his natural,
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Dorian is aware of the forces he needs to be protected from, and, in this case, shielded from. At this point, Dorian is already well-travelled down the path of sin. This to say that the lines are so heartfelt because he sought redemption from all the forces that have thus burdened the now youthful appearing adult. When Dorian calls for love, he is calling for Christian love; he is calling for salvation. In chapter 19, Dorian finally accuses his influencer: “you poisoned me with a book once. I should not forgive that. Henry, promise me that you will never lend that book to anyone” (183). Dorian realizes the role that Henry has taken in forming his destiny. Henry poisoned Dorian with an idolatry for youth. In this way, Dorian is begging his personal “Satan” to refrain from repeating this experience. Although vastly different in their presentation, both circumstances focus on Dorian’s understanding of the role that influences have taken in his life. He desires redemption, but realizes that Henry’s poison has taken precedence, and so he can only ask the Devil to hold back his influential weaponry in
Dorian is aware of the forces he needs to be protected from, and, in this case, shielded from. At this point, Dorian is already well-travelled down the path of sin. This to say that the lines are so heartfelt because he sought redemption from all the forces that have thus burdened the now youthful appearing adult. When Dorian calls for love, he is calling for Christian love; he is calling for salvation. In chapter 19, Dorian finally accuses his influencer: “you poisoned me with a book once. I should not forgive that. Henry, promise me that you will never lend that book to anyone” (183). Dorian realizes the role that Henry has taken in forming his destiny. Henry poisoned Dorian with an idolatry for youth. In this way, Dorian is begging his personal “Satan” to refrain from repeating this experience. Although vastly different in their presentation, both circumstances focus on Dorian’s understanding of the role that influences have taken in his life. He desires redemption, but realizes that Henry’s poison has taken precedence, and so he can only ask the Devil to hold back his influential weaponry in