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Self-Destruction In Oscar Wilde's The Picture Of Dorian Gray

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Self-Destruction In Oscar Wilde's The Picture Of Dorian Gray
Throughout the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian destroys the lives of multiple people through his slow progression of becoming evil. Through his words, actions, and relationships with Sibyl Vane, Alan Campbell, and Basil Hallward he brings their lives to an end by eroding the content of their character. In fact, his self-destruction originates by partaking in the evil acts Lord Henry has influenced him to perform. He was once a charming, kind, young boy who everyone loved, and evolved into a heartless man insensitive to the world around him.
The personal life of Oscar Wilde was quite similar in certain aspects to Dorian Gray's. There were things that separated them from the average person. Both were respectable men, who had tragedies in their lives and did something against popular belief to tarnish their reputations. Wilde and Dorian were both well liked in society and had become very popular amongst the people, but that changed throughout the years. Wilde …show more content…
The deterioration of Dorian’s personality distanced Alan from him. Their relationship was already strained and would officially be ruined once they reacquainted themselves. Alan was a scientist who specialized in chemistry which Dorian exploited for his own benefit. Receiving a letter requesting Alan to meet him immediately was Dorian’s only chance at destroying Basil’s body to bypass a murder conviction. To silence Alan, blackmailed seemed a convenient option, “I am so sorry for you, Alan, but you leave me no alternative. I have a letter written already. Here it is. You see the address. If you don’t help me, I must send it. If you don’t help me, I will send it.” (Page 143). Alan involuntary agreed or his and Dorian’s lives may be wrecked. Alan’s acquaintance with Dorian rapidly led to his destruction because of the horror of destroying a body that an old friend had killed. Soon after, Alan commits suicide because of this traumatic
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