DG Ch. 4

"I thought of her performance, and she seemed quite unconscious of her power" (57).

Although this quote is talking about Sibyl, it can easily be related to other characters as well. Henry's initial observations about Dorian we definitely correct:"The moment I met you I saw that you were quite unconscious of what you really are" (25). Dorian has an effect on Henry that he cannot ignore. Dorian is blind to his genetic gifts because he was born with them and did nothing to earn it, unlike intelligence. However, on the other hand, Dorian recognizes his attraction to Henry because of his intelligence and cannot stay away from him. Henry tries to bring out similar characteristics that allow Dorian to question everything like Henry does. There is undoubtedly a mutual interest in one another that allows the two men to bond and experience new ideas.

“His nature had developed like a flower, had borne blossoms of scarlet flame. Out of its secret hiding-place had prepped his Soul, and Desire had come to meet it on the way” (59)

Throughout the novel, we have continually seen Dorian drift towards Henry no matter what to hear what he has to say. It is obvious that Henry has changed Dorian's thought process, but it is not only Henry that is causing the change. As with any student, the only way to become educated is to first have the desire to learn and understand new concepts. We have mentioned that Dorian accepts Henry's arguments without question, and while being true, I think there is different motive behind his acceptance. Since Dorian is trying to learn these new ways of thinking, he understands that Henry is much smarter than he is. Dorian accepts these concepts because he thinks Henry will help mold his mind because he has already realized knew things he had never thought of before. Sometimes it is better to sit back and listen to someone who knows what they are talking about and process the information given, so that eventually you may understand how the arguments are formulated and you can create your own conclusions. Dorian is just using patience to help feed her desire for knowledge.