PODG #7

"'Sin is a thing that writers itself across a man's face. It cannot be concealed"(Wilde153).

Basil speaks with much understanding of the situation without actually having knowledge of it. It is almost like he broke the fourth wall. Sin has indeed written itself across Dorian's face, in both the literal and metaphorical sense. Dorian is not completely sure of what he wants, as his desires conflict with each other. Dorian wants to conceal his sin, but at the same time, wants to make his sin known to the world. The latter desire is slowly outweighing the former. Despite having a concrete representation in the novel, Dorian's sin does not seem as though it can make itself known. It is not that Dorian's sin will reveal itself, but rather that Dorian will reveal his sin. Dorian no longer wastes his time with emotions he cannot experience. He is proud of the way things turned out. Dorian always loved himself, so it is no surprise that he loves what he has become.

"'Deny them, Dorian, deny them! Can't you see what I am going through? My God! don't tell me that you are bad and corrupt and shameful!'"(157).

Basil desires Dorian to be a good person, just as most people desire those who are beautiful to have a personality match their features. However, it does not seem that Basil wants Dorian to be moral simply because he is beautiful. Basil has shown that he cares too much about Dorian as a person to behave so superficially. Basil truly loves Dorian, and is desperate to continue loving him. Basil does not want his view of Dorian to be marred in any way. He was willing to believe that Dorian was pure without any evidence. His trust for Dorian ultimately lead to his downfall.