The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 4 Quotes

What does Lord Henry mean by saying, 'All through your life you will tell me everything you do.'?

Lord Henry is patronizing towards Dorian when he refers to him as 'Like a good boy.'

What ironic statement does Lord Henry make about Dorian and crime?

What feeling does Dorian express regarding his love for the actress?

Dorian feels regret after meeting Lord Henry.

What literary work is referenced when mentioning, 'The lad was his own creation.'?

What does the phrase 'His nature had developed like a flower' suggest?

What does Lord Henry believe about how people perceive the value of life?

Quotes and Interpretations

Lord Henry's possessiveness over Dorian highlights his control, reminiscent of the Faustian Pact that allows Henry to influence Dorian's actions.
The phrase "Like a good boy" illustrates Henry's patronizing attitude towards Dorian, treating him as an obedient subject in Henry's social experiment.
The irony in Henry's statement about Dorian's innocence contrasts sharply with Dorian’s eventual moral decline, foreshadowing future crimes and his transformation into a societal outcast.
Dorian’s growing ambition and affection for an actress reflect the influence of Henry’s hedonistic philosophy, prompting Dorian to embrace a life of youthful spontaneity.
Henry instills in Dorian a desire for experiential knowledge, leading him to pursue a passionate relationship with Sybil Vane, symbolizing a detachment from traditional values.
The comparison of Dorian to Frankenstein's monster points to the theme of creation and manipulation, illustrating how Henry shapes Dorian's persona to reflect his own vices.
The imagery of flowers and "scarlet flame" evokes themes of temptation and sin, suggesting Dorian’s moral decay linked to the allure of the forbidden.
Lord Henry's belief that "People know the price of everything and value of nothing" critiques societal superficiality, exposing the disparity between materialism and true appreciation of life’s fleeting beauty.

Test your knowledge on key quotations from Chapter 4 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. This quiz focuses on the pivotal quotes that reveal Lord Henry's controlling influence over Dorian. Gain insights into the characters' dynamics through these flashcards.