Harry's Science Project

In Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Harry perceives Dorian as his creation. Basil’s creation is a work of art; however, Harry’s creation is evident through the influence he possesses over Dorian. He states, “There was something enthralling in the exercise of influence. No other activity was like it” (33). On page 51, Harry contemplates, “…through certain words of his, musical words said with musical utterance, that Dorian Gray’s soul had turned to this white girl and bowed in worship before her. To a large extent the lad was his own creation.”  Harry believes that “Talking to [Dorian} was like playing upon an exquisite violin.” (33). Dorian is not as close to Basil as he is to Harry because he feels that Basil is too invested in his art to appreciate humanity over art, or the abstract. Dorian is too ingenuous to understand that Harry seems him as a science project rather than as a friend.

            Dorian is vulnerable because he is young, rather than immature. He does understand that he lacks information to be successful in life, which is why he behaves like an apostle towards Harry. He worships Harry in similar ways to how he worships Sibyl Vane.

Harry’s desire to learn about human nature drives him to use Dorian as subject in an experiment.  He approaches Dorian’s relationship with Sibyl as an opportunity to learn more about human nature’s connection to love. He is not elated because Dorian has found a significant person in his life. Harry is excited because he will have the opportunity to witness the nature of Dorian and Sibyl’s love. He is observing them without their knowledge.

This reminds of me of Foucault’s notion that “power is not negotiable.” Harry’s experience gives him the ability to have influence over Dorian, which is a strong form of power. We see that Basil has the power to immortalize Dorian’s beauty through his art. In fact, Dorian is jealous of the painting because it always been younger than him. According to Harry, whom he worships, youth is the purest form of beauty. Thus, Harry and Dorian take part in a ceaseless exchange. To be observed, Dorian must not be aware that Harry constantly observes him.

Harry’s art lies in his ability to influence Dorian. Dorian is enthralled by Harry, but he does not possess the intellectual competence to understand the complexity of Harry’s art, which is the ability to possess a heavy influence over others that resembles a sort of hypnotism, to an extent. Dorian has the cultural competence to find meaning in Basil’s art, but that bores him. It is human nature to become bored with what one knows. In similar fashion, it is human nature to be curious about the unknown. Dorian sees Harry’s mystery, and that sparks a curiosity to attempt learning from him. This attracts Dorian to Harry. I suppose Dorian is searching for Harry’s art, but fails to see himself as the work of art because he is used to being worshipped over his good looks, rather than measured by his intellect.