1. "The harmony of soul and body - how much that is! We in our madness have separated the two, and have invented a realism that is vulgar, an ideality that is void." - Basil Hallward (page 12)
- Having the harmony of one's physique and spirit is the key to live a upright and meaningful life. Through Basil's words, we can see that he has a better understanding of the meaning of life than his friend, Lord Henry, does. This is why he does not want Dorian Gray to meet Lord Henry. He know that Dorian, the charming and naive lad, will be influenced by Henry's view of life - youth is the best and only treasure of life, thus one has to spend this God-given "money" before he gets old. God created us with both bodies and souls; one cannot separate them. If one does, his soul will be void and his body will be vulgar. This is why when Dorian sold his soul to stay young and let his portrait gets old instead, he is separating his soul and body. The beautiful but soulless Dorian Gray is destined to have an epic downfall.
- This is when Dorian realized that his youth, his dazzling beauty, will not last forever. Every second passes by is a waste of his charm. Accepting Lord Henry's hedonistic philosophy of life, Dorian now treasures his youth more than ever - he would give up everything to save his youthful beauty, even his soul. However, everything has a price to pay. When Dorian trade his soul for the everlasting appearance of the portrait, he became ruthless and emotionless, just like a painting. He not only sold his soul, but also his conscience, his love, his heart; and furthermore at the end, his life.
1. truculent - [adj.] defiantly aggressive
Ex. "I remember her bringing me up to a truculent and red-faced old gentleman covered all over with orders and ribbons." (9)
2. caprice - [n.] a sudden, unpredictable change, as of one's mind or the weather
Ex. "The only difference between a caprice and a life-long passion is that the caprice lasts a little longer." (26)
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