The Picture of Dorian Gray - PODG #2 - Influence in The Picture of Dorian Gray

Influence is a common theme in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The main instance where influence is taking place is between Lord Henry and Dorian Gray. Lord Henry treats his influence on Dorian like a fun study in what kind of power he has over people. Lord Henry even goes as far as to say that "there [is] something terribly enthralling in the exercise of influence" which expresses how much he likes to try and influence people around him with his ideas (26). Lord Henry's influence does get through to some people, which can be understood by how his wife mentions that she "always [hears] Harry's views from his friends" (33). The fact that Lord Henry's friends speak of his views is an example of how his influence has manifested itself in others; yet the prime example of his influence rests in Dorian Gray. Dorian freely admits that Lord Henry has "curious influence over" him (38). Dorian sees this influence, but does not try to stop it, allowing Lord Henry to continue. Dorian also tells that he is putting into practice everything that Lord Henry says (34). Dorian does not see this as a bad thing at all and admits it freely, which can lead to the understanding that, while he can see the influence taking place, he does not fully see how he himself is changing. It is either that, or that Dorian doesn't care that he is changing, for he feels that Lord Henry is telling him things that he should already understand about the world.