Dorian Gray #2

Quote
"Margaret Devereux was one of the loveliest creatures I ever saw, Harry. What on earth induced her to behave as she did, I never could understand. She could have married anybody she chose" (Wilde 37).

Response
During class today we had an in depth discussion on which is more advantageous, beauty or intelligence. One of the major focal points was the fact that beautiful people can marry rich men and not have to work hard, therefore, beauty is more advantageous. In this case we see Margarent, who is apparently stunningly beautiful, run off and marry a poor man. Why she did not marry the richest man in the town is unknown. If she was more intelligent she would have married a richer man because women have little to no chance of making any money in that time period. If a woman was to gain status she would have to marry a rich man, Margaret could have but did not. Intelligence is much more valuable than intelligence, but a median between the two is ideal.

Quote
"To get back one's youth one has merely to repeat one's follies" (44).

Response
Lord Henry's statement may have an effect on Dorian. Whether this effect is good or bad is unknown. Dorian could interpret this statement literally and begin repeating all his mistakes again in order to accomplish his everlasting quest for youth. Dorian's other option is to realize that youth is plagued by mistakes which one will not make when they are older and wiser. Dorian may realize that growing old has its perks along with youth. Nothing is perfect and nothing is static, one cannot be young forever and youth is not without it's struggles. Dorian's immaturity is inhibiting him from growing old and wise.