Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

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Book: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The term “Charming” has been used widely in the text to refer to the cunning nature of Dorian Gray. He is seemingly a good mannered and affluent member of the Victorian society, but ranks poorly in terms of character and conduct. In addition, Dorian is a narcissistic individual who is appealed by hedonism, which leads to his corruption and ultimate death. The term “Charming” has been used in the text to illustrate the deceiving nature of physical looks of an individual.

Dorian “Charming” is a calculating, manipulative and narcissistic individual driven only by the need to gain pleasure irrespective of the cost of achieving such pleasures. The use of the term prince charming has been used as indicative of the value of aestheticism and duplicity to some societies and individuals. Dorain lives a life of duplicity with a high regard for aesthetic aspects of life such as beauty, riches, drug use and other immoral traits (Wilde 25).

The term “Charming” has been used by the author with a sarcastic tone to illustrate the cunning traits of Dorian. In addition, it is influenced by his physical traits whereby he described as an exceedingly handsome young man who ranks as an affluent citizen in Victorian England. Dorian is assumed to have made a deal with the devil such that he retains his youthful nature despite possessing a portrait that depicts him as an aged and corrupted individual (Wilde 31).

Furthermore, the term is used with reference to Dorian’s interactions with Sybil, which leads to her suicide, as he is only intent in courting her. James Vane, Sybil’s brother, threatens to kill “Charming” if he harms his sister. Sybil is captivated by his charming traits and physical attributes despite failing to recognize the cunning nature of Dorian who is intent on using her for his own pleasure and amusement.

Work Cited

Wilde, O. (2005). El retrato de Dorian Gray. Madrid: Edimat Libros.