For my analysis I’m going to be delving into the topic of obsession and destruction. Dorian is an obsessive
character. Besides his ability to make others completely obsess with him, he also endulges in his own
obsessions throughout the novel whether it be Sibyl Vane or his own beauty. Each time this obsession
leads to destruction of the very thing that was once coveted.
Basil is entanced by Dorian the first time they meet and knows at once that he will be completely obessed
with Dorian. This terrified him (9-10).
Basil admits that to Lord Henry that he must see Dorian frequently (12).
Dorian is first described as handsome with blue eyes, blonde hair, and a pretty mouth (19). This is imortant
for later mention of Dorian’s obession with is looks.
Lord Henry begins his corruption of Dorian by first making Dorian obessed with his own looks and youth.
He tells him that he is beautiful but it will fade (24).
Dorian looks at his portrait and at once sees how beautiful he truly is (27).
Dorian declares that he envies all that will not die and commit suidice if he ever gorws old (28).
Dorian is enthralled by Lord Henry at the dinner party(38). This friendship is another obsession of Dorian
that leads to his own destruction
Dorian tells Lord Henry that he can’t stop thinking about him and that it frightens him (48). This admitence
mirrors Basil’s earlier confession.
Dorian tells Lord Heny about his “love” for Sibyl vane and how he goes to see her plays every night. He is
entranced by her (51).
Lord Henry points out that Dorian doesn’t love Sibyl but really the characters she plays. Dorian doesn’t
correct him (54).
Dorian again obessesses over Sibyl and how she looked in boy’s clothing to Basil. He then mentions the
intention of marriage (74).
Dorian states that pleasure is to love someone (76). His opion changes as his soul corrupts.
Basil takes another carriage to the play because he is excluded by Lord Henry. He realises he has lost his
place in Dorian’s life and cries (78). Dorian’s obession with Lord Henry is beginning to destroy his and
Basil’s frienship.
Dorian is angry at Sibyl for doing badly at the play and tells her that he no longer loves her (84-85).
Dorian remembers his wish for eternal youth when he see the portrai has changed (88).
Dorian wonders if his love for his apperance will destroy his soul (89).
Lord Henry tells Dorian of Sibyl’s death (95).
Dorian says that he has murdered Sibyle once he finds out it is suicide (96). This is the second thing
destroyed by Dorians obsession.
Dorian admits he doesn’t feel too sorry about what happened (97).
Right after talking of Sibyl’s death Lord Henry then goes into talking about how Dorian’s beauty will pave
his future (101).
Dorian gets angry at Basil and blames him for making him vain. Basil agrees it is his fault but then
foreshadows into saying that he will later pay forh his actions (105).
Dorian asks Basil to draw a picture of Sibyl (107). Dorian is showing no remorse for what he has caused.
Dorian refuses to show Basil his portrait (108-109). This is showing many destructions, the destrucion of
Dorians sanity, his soul, and his trust of Basil.
Basil admits his feelings for Dorian (110).
Basil tells Dorian he is made to be worshipped by people (111).
Dorian begins to be paranoid of his servent (114). He is coveting the portrait.
Dorian pictures what he might look like when the portrait begins ot age (118). This is showing that he is
still more concerned wih looks than his his soul.
Dorian makes the distinction between obsession and love (122).
Dorian grows futhur obsessed with ihis beauty and is often studying the portiat. He is fascinated with how
he looks (124).
He begins to seek pleasure in opium dens by the docks, using a disguese and fake name (124).
Dorian begins the processes of obsessing over people and information, learning them, using them, and then
abondoning them (127).
His obsession with his portrait is keeping him from living his life because he fears to be away form it for
too long of a time (135).
Dorians looks and reputation that he values so much can only take him so far. People are beginning to
distrust him and gossip(135). His obsessions with people and things are ailinating him from his world.
It is revealed that the people Dorian had relations with are now afraid of him or refusing to be in his
company. Women and boys are now being shunned as well for their envolvment with him (136).
Basil confronts Dorian about rumors (144).
The men who are friends with Doran are ruined and obsessed with pleasure (145).
Basil says that both he and Dorian will be punsihed for their obsession of Dorian (151).
Dorian remembes Basil’s hideous death (155). Dorian uses ugliness as a way to describe something he
doesn’t like.
Dorian visits and opium den to seek pleasure and relase from his thoughts of Basil’s death (176).
He encounters a man whose reputation he destroyed at the opium den (179).
Dorian admits to being corrupt (200).
It is discovered that another man in relations to Dorian commited suicide (202). Sibyl, two men, Basil,
Alan, and James Vane are now all dead due to some influence of Dorian.
Dorian wonders at his ability to and want to murder again. Lord Henry says that anything can become
enjoyable if you chose to keep doing it (203).
Lord Henry commments that when Dorian stopped his relationship with Basil, Basil stopped being talented
(204).
Dorian stabs the painting and kills himself (212).