Can Meeting People Change Us?

Title: The Transformative Power of Relationships in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" Introduction "The Picture of Dorian Gray," written by Oscar Wilde, is a classic novel that explores the effects of relationships and the human experience on a person's sense of self. The main character, Dorian Gray, undergoes several transformations throughout the novel, which are attributed to different friendships and relationships. In this essay, we will critically discuss the statement that the people we meet have the power to change our lives profoundly, and we will analyze the validity of this statement in relation to the novel. Body Firstly, it is essential to analyze the relationship between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton, a critical friendship that profoundly shapes Dorian's life. Lord Henry is an influential, cynical, and hedonistic man who introduces Dorian to a new way of living. He advocates for the pursuit of pleasure, beauty, and indulgence, dismissing the importance of morality and ethical conduct. Dorian becomes fascinated with Lord Henry's ideas, describing them as "a new Hedonism." This relationship ultimately sets Dorian on a path of self-destruction, moral decay, and eventual tragedy. It is crucial to address the turning point in Dorian's life – his encounter with the portrait painted by Basil Hallward. This portrait is responsible for Dorian's journey into the realms of hedonism and darkness, as it allows him to retain his youthful appearance while the image in the painting ages and reflects the consequences of his sinful actions. The portrait symbolizes the impact of Dorian's relationships on his sense of self and highlights the transformative power of the people we meet. The second critical relationship in the novel is that of Dorian Gray and Sybil Vane, a talented actress who represents the ideals of innocence and purity. Initially, Dorian becomes infatuated with Sybil and her artistic talent, describing her as "the embodiment of all the beauty that the world has ever known." However, Dorian's relationship with Sybil is short-lived, as his newfound hedonistic lifestyle and Lord Henry's teachings lead him to dismiss her love as insignificant when she decides to give up theater for him. In this way, the novel shows the power of relationships to not only change who we are but also how we treat other individuals. As Dorian's life progresses, the relationships he forms continue to shape him into a darker and increasingly narcissistic individual. Despite the warnings of his former friend Basil and others, Dorian continues to indulge in a life of vice and debauchery. Ultimately, it is the influence of these relationships that leads Dorian to a state of utter despair and self-loathing, resulting in the dramatic conclusion of the novel. Through these interactions, "The Picture of Dorian Gray" illustrates the transformative power of relationships and their ability to render us nearly unrecognizable from our former selves. Conclusion In conclusion, Oscar Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" presents a clear and compelling argument for the statement that the people we meet have the power to change our lives profoundly. Through the novel's exploration of friendships, romantic relationships, and moral influences, we witness the transformation of Dorian Gray from an innocent young man to a broken and dark figure. This examination of the human experience illuminates the power of relationships and the complexity of the human psyche, serving as a timeless cautionary tale for readers.