The Picture of Dorian Gray : Chapter 11

I. Quotations
1. "It was remarked, however, that some of those who had been most intimate with him appeared, after a time, to shun him. Women who had wildly adored him, and for his sake had braved all social censure and set convention at defiance, were seen to grow pallid with shame or horror if Dorian Gray entered the room." (page 145)

• Dorian's pride made him think that he is superior to others. His aloofness drove him away not only from reality (he devoted himself entirely to the pursuit of arts), but also from people. Lives and time are the only things that everyone shares. People experience the different stages of lives when time passes by - they enjoy the gifts and burdens which was granted by time - these are the life experiences they would share and echo. However, without showing any trace of age, Dorian Gray is no longer a part of the cycle of life; thus, no longer a part of the world. Everyone is jealous of him and somehow afraid of him. People think he is weird in an artistic way - like an exquisite antique in a museum which can be seen but cannot be touched.
  

2. “Society, civilized society at least, is never very ready to believe anything to the detriment of those who are both rich and fascinating. It feels instinctively that manners are of more importance than morals, and, in its opinion, the highest respectability is of much less value than the possession of a good chef." (page 146)

• Despite of Dorian Gray's corruption of nature and his desecration of morality, this young celebrity was still popular merely because of his good look. This is a satire of our modern society - a society that judge people by their appearance, background, and wealth. When you judge a book by its cover, you would probably be deceived by it. Remember, you are not paying for a beautiful book cover, but the wisdom which is provided inside the book. The same thing goes to forming opinions of people. Dorian's charming appearance belied his filthy nature:"Even those who had heard the most evil things against him [...] could not believe anything to his dishonor when they saw him" (130). How pathetic the society is to be so blind to the evilness which is covered up by the illusive glow of loveliness! Dorian should be punished for his immoral behaviors for sure; but should not the society also be blamed for its neglect of sins?
  

II. Vocabulary
1. debonair - [adj.]
1> having a sophisticated charm
2> having a cheerful, lively, and self-confident air
Ex. "In the opinion of most people his frank, debonair manner, his charming, boyish smile, and the infinite grace of that wonderful youth that seemed never to leave him." (145)

2. saturnine - [adj.]
1> sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn
2> suffering from lead poisoning, as a person
Ex. "The face was saturnine and swarthy, and the sensual lips seemed to be twisted with disdain." (147)