There are many kinds of conflicts a story can exhibit but the conflict I find the most fascinating is Man vs. Self. Every character in a story is different and unique in their own way, each time producing a new kind of inner challenge. Also, it is always very enlightening to discover how the character in a Man vs. Self situation solves their own problems, and if they do.
In the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, the main character, Dorian, encounters the devil within him through his self portrait. It all began with the passionate acting of a beautiful young lady named Sybil Vane. In every play that she acted in, she became the character, and that is what captured Dorian's affinity. Until one evening, when Love decided to show its true form. Before that moment, acting was Sybil's only venue of escape; but after meeting Dorian Gray, she was freed from her cage. She was taught how "false,...vulgar, and...unreal" her reality was (Pg.90). Dorian's tainted soul corrupted Sybil's and she began to focus on the aesthetic factors of life. Not realizing what he had done, Dorian dumped her in disappointment. After cooling his head, he made his way back home, only to find that there was a slight change with his twin on canvas: "The portrait... Showed him the lines of cruelty round the mouth as clearly as if he had been looking into a mirror after he had done some dreadful thing"(Pg.94). In fact, what he had done caused Sybil to commit suicide but after a few words of reconciliation, Dorian decided to let the portrait be: "If the picture was to alter, it was to alter. That was all" (Pg.110). Because of his wish to stay forever beautiful, Dorian began to succumb to his selfish desires as well as let his inner devil take over. "Smiling" as he hid his real self away from the world, Dorian continued on with his life, not even making an effort to solve his problems(Pg.110).
Your post was very well-written and captivating, and I felt it summarized the novel's main conflict very thoroughly. It's amazing how much of an effect people can have on one another, especially when it comes to love. The way that humans change to suit others around them shows that we are easily manipulated. We also tend to let our own expectations overpower our views on life, so like Dorian, we become disappointed with its outcomes. I look forward to reading more about what happened between Dorian and Sybil!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela!
ReplyDeleteI'm not finished the book yet but yes, love can change a person so much. I would imagine that this is also a reason why polygamy is not something that is accepted today.
The example of Dorian and Sybil is only one part of my independent novel so there's bound to be more horrifying events that have yet to come! :)
Hi Danielle.
ReplyDeleteThis seems like a very interesting book, although I'd have to admit it's confusing me a bit right now. Is this a sci-fi book? Or is the painting only morphing inside Dorian's mind? In fact, the more I think about it, the more this seems like a horror story. *Shudder*
LOL um...it's actually classified as gothic and philosophical; so I guess you could find it a bit on the scary side. No, the painting in this story is actually changing. It's not physically possible but because Dorian wished to keep his good looks and have the painting age instead, the portrait now shows how his soul desecrates in time. He got what he wanted so all I have to say is... be careful of what you wish for...
ReplyDeleteHi Danielle! I really enjoyed reading your post. The language you used in describing the conflicts in your novel is very intriguing. I agree with Angela that we as people are able to make a huge impact on each other, whether it be good or bad. I also enjoy reading novels filled with man vs. self conflict. I think it's fascinating to see how people cope with the struggles that fill their minds and what, or if, they will ever be able to face that conflict and overcome it. Your novel sounds extremely interesting, I may have to read it myself! :)
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