DG Ch. 3

"He would try to be to Dorian Gray what, without knowing it, the lad was to the painter who had fashioned the wonderful portrait. He would seek to dominate him- had already, indeed, half done so. He would make that wonderful spirit his own" (40)

There is a growing interest between Lord Henry and Dorian, perhaps because of, and not in spite of, the opposing differences of the two men. Lord Henry feels a sense of control over Dorian because anything Henry says is believed by Dorian. This relationship between the two men does not sit right with Basil because Lord Henry "has a bad influence over all his friends" (19). Henry has put ideas into Dorian's mind that are just random arguments that Henry does not stand behind, but Dorian believes them nonetheless. Henry's power over Dorian could potentially lead to conflict that puts Dorian in a difficult spot because of something Henry influenced him to do. This difficult situation may require great intellectual ability, but Dorian only has his looks and follows Henry blindly so he will be in a lot of trouble and not know what to do.

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

After hearing Henry say this quote, Dorian's support for him has grow even greater. Dorian is terrified of aging, and would listen to any theories on how to keep his youth. Dorian will definitely be affected by what Henry said because he had followed every word Henry had already said, and Dorian's youth and beauty are most important to him. I do not think Dorian will benefit from Henry's advice because he is too impressionable and naive, and he may take the advice too literally. Dorian may attempt some foolish act that lands him in hot water because he listens to Henry and becomes overwhelmed by his desire for youth.