Dorian Gray Said/Done Analysis

In "The Picture of Dorian Gray", Oscar Wilde often uses helpful writing tools in order to get his message across. In the passage we chose on page 81, many messages can be found due his use of many rhetorical strategies. Through his use of hyperbolic language, the conclusion is easily made that Dorian is somewhat oblivious to reality and naive when it comes to his feelings for Sybil. Rather than simply saying he loves her, Dorian uses phrases such as "Why, the whole world is nothing to me compared to her" (Wilde 81). Exaggerative language such as this proves that Wilde is not simply trying to convey the message that Dorian has strong feelings for Sybil, but also the fact that he may be somewhat naive towards these feelings and unaware of how to control them. Along with hyperbolic language, Wilde uses specific mannerisms and direct dialogue to convey yet another message. This message is the idea of Hallward and Henry being the equivalents of foil characters. A foil character is one used to serve as a contrast to another, usually more primary, character. In this short passage alone, we see the different opinions of Hallward and Henry, which lead to showing us how their personalities differ in general. By saying that "Hallward laid his hand upon his arm" (81), Wilde easily uses Hallward's compassion to emphasize Henry's cold straightforwardness. Both of these examples of rhetorical strategies may lead to conclusions that one could use to foreshadow later events. Dorian's naiveness may suggest that he will be easily influenced in a more important situation later in the story, while the differences of Hallward and Henry's personalities may suggest that they will both become very influential characters, influencing Dorian in both good and bad ways.