Dorian Gray: Chap 1 and 2

"We live in an age when men treat art as if it were meant to be a form of autobiography. We have lost the abstract sense of beauty. Some day I will show the world what it is; and for that reason the world shall never see my portrait of Dorian Gray" (Wilde 13).

Explanation: This quote is when Hallward is explaining to Lord Henry, why he won't exhibit the painting. Hallward is trying to explain that many artists of that century have lost the true reason behind art. These artists only look at art as a source of income, instead of just pleasure out of making art. The reason Hallward made the portrait of Dorian Gray was for the sake of beauty itself and how this man would be immortalized forever by his beauty. Hallward is not trying to make a profit; he is just looking for the beauty in all things.

Ensconced- to settle securely or snugly. (dictionary.com)
"And the two young men went out into the garden, and ensconced themselves on a long bamboo seat that stood in the shade of a tall laurel bush"(7).

Quote: "How long will you like me? Till I have my first wrinkle, I suppose. I know,
now, that when one loses one's good looks, whatever they may be loses everything. Your picture has taught me that" (28-29).

Explanation- This quote comes after Dorian sees his portrait. But when he sees it he realizes something that scares him. This portrait will always be beautiful and remain young but Dorian himself will just keep growing older and older until he becomes "dreadful, hideous, and uncouth" (27). He realizes this from his talk with Lord Henry. Dorian was inept to the fact that he was growing older and that he was squandering his beauty. That Henry made him realize that one day he will grow old and lose everything, meaning his youth. And to Lord Henry, "There is absolutely nothing in the world but youth!" (25)With this Lord Henry has stripped Dorian of his innocence and has shown him the cruelty of the world.

Definition:
Uncouth- strange or awkward. (dictionary.com)
"He would become dreadful, hideous, and uncouth" (27).