Victorian Blog #1: Relationship: Dorian Gray and Lord Henry

The relationship between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry is very significant to theplot of the story. It is the reason that the real story began in the first place. It is Henry who inspires Dorian to wish for the switch with the picture. Throughout the story, Dorian is controlled by the opinions of Lord Henry. Even his decision about sibyl Vane can be attributed to one of Henry's opinions. This relationship is very important to the story because it is influencing Dorian act in a way that he would not have acted before. This relationship is also important because, i believe, it will soon be the cause downfall.

Victorian bolg #1: Historical Context: Poor and Rich Differences

In the novel there seems to be a big problem when it can to wealth. For example, when Dorian Gray wanted to marry a poorer girl, Sibyl Vane, there was some unhappiness in his circle of friends about how poor she was. Since he discovered her in a greasy performance hall, her intelligence and refinement is questioned.  In the Victorian era, the gap between the rich and the poor was greatly increasing. While members of the middle class were becoming more prosperous, the poor were getting poorer. So the situation with Vane is accurate to the actual Victorian times because "marrying up" and not down was preferable. This also shows the callousness of the upper class towards the lower classes of this era. Lord Henry and Dorian Gray didn't even seem to care that the little poor girl has just sacrificed herself for love.