The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Symbolism- Symbolism is a literary element used in literature to help readers understand a literary work.
The Picture of Dorian Gray Symbols
It symbolizes Dorian Gray’s beliefs. The book was given by Lord Henry Wotton as a gift. His influence on Dorian Gray became more powerful because Dorian Gray based his life and actions on the book. While reading the book, Dorian feels similar to the character in the book. The color “Yellow” symbolizes poison, which made Lord Henry’s influence poisonous to Dorian Gray. Lord Henry is like of of those people who tend to brainwash you as a person and you’ll be able to change your mindset because of that influence.
The picture of Dorian Gray reflects his personality. Dorian wanted to remain beautiful and young even though he will grow old. The painting will remind Dorian of his youth. As time goes by, the painting became ugly so Dorian hid it in a room and suspect that Basil was the one behind it. The picture of Dorian Gray symbolizes the decaying of his soul. It also mirrors his wrongdoings. The picture bear the guilt instead of Dorian Gray himself. The picture became Dorian Gray’s weakness and when he stab it, it backfired and Dorian Gray became ugly like the picture whereas the picture remained youthful like how it was supposed to be.
The theater is an important place in the novel because it is where Dorian Gray met his first love---Sybil Vane. She is a theater actress and Dorian Gray often watch her plays. It symbolizes their meeting place.