PODG 5

The relationship between Dorian Gray and his portrait shows a role reversal in the views of aestheticism. In aestheticism, life's purpose is to imitate art, and art's purpose is to look beautiful, and to be enjoyed. However, this element of aestheticism is flipped in the relationship between Dorian and his painting. Dorian's painting is a reflection of his conscience. The painting imitates life; it's picture changes and reforms to represent Dorian's sins and actions. On the other hand, Dorian is a physical representation of art. He even admits it to Basil that he values, and enjoys himself very much. Dorian describes, "'more than I owe to you. You only taught me to be vain" (79). Dorian is a person that values himself over others. He is a beautiful walking art piece that is admired by Basil, Lord Henry, and many others. While he succeeds at imitating art, his portrait does the opposite and imitates life.