The Moral Ambiguity In The Picture Of Dorian Gray

Throughout the novel, the characters, specifically, Basil, utilize moral ambiguity in order to deceive themselves and others. By doing so, the characters allow themselves to live guilt-free and unaware of their actions, and subsequently, the consequences. Throughout the novel, Basil repeatedly claims that he cares deeply for Dorian, and that Dorian is the best friend that he has ever had; therefore, his actions are well-intentioned. While it is true that Basil cares deeply for Dorian, he does not care for him in the way that he claims; thus, his motives are selfish. However, Basil disguises his selfishness in the flourishes of artistic brilliance, true friendship, and the love of Dorian’s ‘personality’.

Even Basil refers to himself, quite
Dorian would be the id, with his aptitude for delinquency and the rejection of societal norms, regardless of the consequence, and Harry would be the ego, for he has the same desires as Dorian, but he suppresses some in order to remain civil. Lastly, Basil would be the superego, for he cares more for societal expectations than anything else. Basil is expected to showcase the painting in France, as a result, despite his initial promise to never show the painting, he decides to showcase the painting. A truly good friend would not have broken a promise, regardless of the many years that had passed. Up until that point in the story, it is questionable whether Basil is truly a good person, and that perhaps he isn’t deceiving anyone. However, once Basil makes that change by breaking his promise, it shows that he truly is not such a perfect person, nor is he even a good friend. Basil doesn’t actually care about Dorian; Basil only cares about how he can benefit from their relationship. Basil is selfish, but he justifies his actions by surrounding himself with immoral friends. He even goes as far as to tell Harry to stay away from Dorian, because Harry is such a “bad influence.” In order to be a bad influence, one has to be an immoral person, at least in certain aspects; thus, it is obvious that Basil knows of his friend’s lack of morality. Usually, if one considers someone as a bad influence or an immoral person, he/she would terminate the relationship with him/her, because that is the healthy thing to do. There is no point in staying in a friendship such as that, unless there is a selfish ulterior