Dorian Gray must take responsibility for his own fate - NSC English HL - Question 6 - 2021 - Paper 2

In Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', one of the central themes is the question of responsibility. The character of Dorian Gray illustrates a complex interplay between personal responsibility and external influences that shape one's fate.

Responsibility and Dorian’s Nature

Dorian’s own nature plays a significant role in his downfall. Initially presented as pure and innocent, it becomes evident that beneath this facade lies a self-absorbed and hedonistic individual. While Dorian is initially a victim of Lord Henry's influence, his own choices increasingly reflect his moral decline. For instance, he chooses to embrace a life of indulgence in response to Lord Henry’s seductive philosophies, which leads him further away from moral responsibility.

External Influences

Dorian's corruption is notably influenced by his interactions with Lord Henry and Basil Hallward. Lord Henry introduces Dorian to Aestheticism and the pursuit of pleasure as an ultimate goal, enticing him to cast aside societal norms. This relationship is pivotal; it blurs the line between Dorian’s choices and external manipulation, creating a scenario where he is not entirely to blame for his moral degradation, yet he still actively participates in it.

The Transformation Through Choices

Despite the external pressures, Dorian's ultimate descent into depravity is a result of his own decisions. After the initial aesthetic awakening, he consciously chooses to pursue a lifestyle devoid of moral responsibility, shown through his relationship with Sybil Vane and the subsequent cruel treatment he inflicts on her. This becomes a critical point, as it showcases not just susceptibility to negative influence but also an active engagement in unethical behavior. Dorian’s conscious choice to reject the societal values he once held signifies a pivotal moment where he becomes responsible for his actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Dorian Gray is undeniably influenced by figures such as Lord Henry, his fate is primarily sculpted by his own decisions. His eventual recognition of self-responsibility becomes a tragic realization, highlighting the duality of external influence versus personal accountability. Thus, while external factors contribute to Dorian's tragic fate, he must ultimately accept that he is responsible for the path he chose.