. Does Meeting People Change Us?

Title: The Power of Influence: The Transforming Effects of Encounters in The Picture of Dorian Gray Introduction The Picture of Dorian Gray, authored by Oscar Wilde, is a novel that explores the effects of individual encounters on the moral, emotional, and psychological aspects of a person's life. The titular character, Dorian Gray, experiences significant changes throughout the narrative, mostly influenced by the people he meets. This essay aims to examine how the individuals Dorian encounters throughout the novel reshape his character, thus validating the statement that "those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards." Body 1. Influence of Lord Henry Wotton - Lord Henry profoundly impacts Dorian Gray's life, introducing him to the hedonistic and philosophical ideals that ultimately guide his moral downfall. - Influence on Dorian's self-image and obsession with youth - Lord Henry's admiration of Dorian's physical beauty sparks a fear of aging and loss of beauty in Dorian. - The portrait serves as a metaphor for Dorian's self-obsession and fear of losing his youth. - Impact on Dorian's hedonistic lifestyle - Under Lord Henry's influence, Dorian embraces a life of decadence and pleasure-seeking. - This new way of life steers Dorian away from his previous morally upright conduct. 2. Impact of Basil Hallward - Basil's role in the narrative as the artist who paints Dorian's portrait is crucial in highlighting the power of personal encounters and how they affect the subject. - Basil's infatuation with Dorian's beauty affects Dorian's self-image and fuels his vanity. - Dorian's relationship with Basil ultimately leads to tragedy and reinforces the dangers of personal influence. 3. Influence of Sybil Vane - Sybil Vane's character serves as a catalyst for Dorian's moral decline and underlines the power of interpersonal encounters in reshaping an individual. - Their love affair initially appears to help Dorian embrace a purer, more innocent side of life. - However, her role in his life quickly becomes a turning point following her tragic demise, leading Dorian to spiral further into darkness. Body Conclusion The characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray and their interactions with Dorian subtly but immensely impact his choices and actions, ultimately leading to his tragic end. The substantial character transformations in the novel attest to the power of personal encounters in reshaping an individual's identity, moral compass, and emotional well-being. Conclusion The Picture of Dorian Gray serves as a compelling exploration of the effects wrought by our encounters with others, illustrating how they can significantly impact ourselves and our decisions. As seen in the novel, Dorian Gray's life is drastically altered by the influences of Lord Henry Wotton, Basil Hallward, and Sybil Vane. These changes in Dorian's life provide ample evidence to affirm that "those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards." By doing so, the novel invites readers to reflect upon their own lives and the impact that others can have on shaping their destiny.