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Copia de Chapter 19 Dorian Gray

In Chapter 19 of Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' Dorian Gray expresses his desire to change for the better, influenced by his feelings for a young peasant girl, Hetty Merton. Lord Henry, however, remains skeptical and mocks Dorian's altruism while showing indifference to the mysterious disappearance of Basil Hallward. The chapter highlights themes of beauty, societal superficiality, and the moral implications of one's actions.

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16 views3 pages

Copia de Chapter 19 Dorian Gray

In Chapter 19 of Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' Dorian Gray expresses his desire to change for the better, influenced by his feelings for a young peasant girl, Hetty Merton. Lord Henry, however, remains skeptical and mocks Dorian's altruism while showing indifference to the mysterious disappearance of Basil Hallward. The chapter highlights themes of beauty, societal superficiality, and the moral implications of one's actions.

Uploaded by

srivera7394
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Instructions: Read and annotate at least two words or phrases in each

paragraph. ( There are 7 Paragraphs )

In Chapter 19 of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Dorian Gray


declares his intention to become a better person to Lord Henry Wotton.
Set in London, the scene unfolds at Lord Henry's residence, where the
two engage in a characteristically witty yet cynical conversation. Dorian
announces that he has resolved to change his ways, claiming to have
already began his "good actions". Lord Henry, ever the skeptic, dismisses
the notion, asserting that Dorian is already perfect and should not
attempt to alter himself.

Dorian explains that his newfound commitment to virtue stems from an


encounter with a young peasant girl named Hetty Merton. Reminded of
the tragic Sibyl Vane, Dorian found himself falling for Hetty, who
reciprocated his affections. However, instead of exploiting her innocence
and breaking her heart as he might have done in the past, Dorian chose
to leave her untouched, preserving her purity. He believes this act of
self-restraint marks the beginning of his redemption.

Lord Henry, however, mocks Dorian's attempt at altruism, suggesting


that Hetty will now be forever dissatisfied with any other man, destined
for unhappiness. This cynical remark upsets Dorian, who desperately
seeks validation for his good intentions. He is disheartened by Lord
Henry's constant jesting at serious matters, particularly the tragedies
that have befallen those around him.
The conversation shifts to the disappearance of Basil Hallward, which
has become a topic of widespread speculation. The police are involved,
and rumors abound, adding to the city's already scandalous atmosphere,
which includes the suicide of Alan Campbell and Lord Henry's divorce.
Dorian inquires about Lord Henry's thoughts on Basil's fate, but Lord
Henry remains indifferent, seemingly more concerned with the abstract
concept of death than with the specific fate of his former friend.

Dorian presses the issue, asking Lord Henry what he would think if
Dorian was to confess to murdering Basil. Lord Henry dismisses the
idea as absurd, asserting that such a crime is beneath Dorian, more
suited to the lower classes. He jokes that Basil likely met a mundane
end, perhaps drowning in the Seine, and that his artistic decline in recent
years makes his disappearance less tragic. Lord Henry then brings up
Basil's portrait of Dorian, which he considers one of Basil's greatest
works. Dorian claims to have forgotten about the painting, stating that it
was either lost or stolen.

Lord Henry then recounts a recent experience in the park,


where he overheard a street preacher asking, "What does it
profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own
soul?". While Lord Henry found the spectacle amusing, Dorian
is visibly disturbed by the question. He acknowledges the
significance of the soul, a concept that Lord Henry dismisses
with his characteristic cynicism.

The chapter concludes with Lord Henry's indirect request for


Dorian to reveal the secret of his eternal youth. He expresses
his willingness to do anything to regain his youth, except for
engaging in activities he deems unpleasant, such as exercise
or maintaining respectability. The exchange underscores the
central themes of the novel: the corrupting influence of beauty,
the superficiality of society, and the moral consequences of
one's choices.

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