Dorian Gray Ch. 11

"especially the art of those whose minds have been troubled with the malady of reverie"(134).
reverie- a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing

"Of such insolences and attempted slights he, of course took no notice"(145).
insolence- contemptuously rude or impertinent behavior or speech

"For these treasures, and everything that he collected in his lovely house, were to be to him means of forgetfulness, modes by which he could escape, for a season from the fear that seemed to him at times to be almost too great to be borne"(143).

Dorian Gray was completely dominated by Harry. Harry's influence grew stronger as Dorian became obsessed with a book that Harry gave him. This book led Dorian to "search for sensations that would be at once new and delightful"(135). Dorian thought of becoming Catholic, studied perfumes, "devoted himself entirely to music"(137), and "took up the study of jewels"(138). Dorian took up different hobbies that he could completely throw himself into. He had to be occupied at all times to take the portrait and his conscience out of his mind. He had to throw himself into different projects to get away, but he found that no options worked completely, so he kept trying different activities. Nothing Dorian did allowed him to escape his sins, even if they did not appear on his face.

"On his return he would sit in front of the picture, sometimes loathing it and himself, but filled, at other times, with that pride of individualism that is half the fascination of sin, and smiling, with secret pleasure, at the misshapen shadow that had to bear the burden that should have been his own"(144).

Dorian has multiple reactions and feelings toward his portrait. He is able to see that the picture shows his true self, the sins that he has committed, and his conscience. Dorian feels bad for the way he is behaving and sees how awful he is becoming. He despises his actions and himself for committing them. However, there is another approach Dorian takes toward the portrait. He always recognizes that his sins are bad, but sometimes he feels proud that he can avoid them. He feels that he got away with sinning because it is not seen on his face. He is able to place the blame on someone, or something, other than himself, and get away from bearing his sins publicly.