Character Analysis of Basil Hallward in The Picture of Dorian Gray, a Novel by Oscar Wilde Essay

The main character in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian, is a man too easily influenced by his surroundings. He is quoted as saying, Basil Hallward is what I think I am Lord Henry is what the world thinks me Dorian is what I would like to bein other ages, perhaps (Wilde). This comparison falls in line with the moral of the story because Dorian is stuck with eternal youth and beauty even though he has a wicked soul. This causes different views of him by people who observe his daily life. Dorian is a sponge throughout the novel that absorbs everything and allows it to shape his personality, morals, and actions. Dorian Gray takes influence from Lord Henry, Basil Hallward, and the culture of society during which the novel was written. Lord Henry is the epitome of a wealthy, hedonistic gentleman seeking only pleasure, with little regard to cost or consequence. Lord Henry Wotton outwardly propounds hedonism, but it is his extreme egotism that drives him to manipulate both Basil Hallward and Dorian Gray, leading to their ruin. Henry says, There is something terribly enthralling in the exercise of influence to hear ones own intellectual views echoed back to one with all the added music of passion and youth. (Wilde 37). He finds it very satisfying to have such power over young Dorian that Dorian rejects his own beliefs and begins to espouse Henrys. Henrys self-gratification just feeds his egotism. Lord Henry is one of the largest influences on Dorians personality. Some critics of the novel argue that he is the largest influence on Dorian, and even blame the main characters actions on Henry. Lord Henrys influence on Dorian began when the two met. Basil is a very moral person. By stating he thinks of himself as a moral person despite the accusations of the public, Wilde indicates the importance of morality in the introduction...