Compare and contrast the characters of Lord Henry and Basil, and their relationship to Dorian Gray.

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Basil and Lord Henry have very different relationships with Dorian because they are contrasting characters. Basil's relationship is based on his obsession with Dorian's beauty. This beauty has a practical importance because it enables Basil to develop a new and improved style of art. As such, Basil wants to protect and preserve Dorian and takes it upon himself to be concerned in his welfare. When Lord Henry announces...

In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Basil and Lord Henry have very different relationships with Dorian because they are contrasting characters. Basil's relationship is based on his obsession with Dorian's beauty. This beauty has a practical importance because it enables Basil to develop a new and improved style of art. As such, Basil wants to protect and preserve Dorian and takes it upon himself to be concerned in his welfare. When Lord Henry announces Dorian's engagement in Chapter Six, Basil is concerned that Dorian might marry someone who does not deserve him. This shows that Basil is truly devoted to Dorian and regards himself as a positive influence in his life.

In contrast, Lord Henry's chief concern in life is the pursuit of pleasure and this becomes the defining characteristic of his relationship with Dorian. Initially, Dorian does not know how to interpret Lord Henry and his hedonistic attitude to life:

"Stop!" faltered Dorian Gray, "stop, you bewilder me. I don't know what to say."

Very quickly, however, it becomes clear that Dorian is like a pupil of Lord Henry's, keen to learn the art of hedonism. Unlike Basil, Lord Henry encourages Dorian's dark side, a side which will eventually lead to Dorian's own demise.