“There is a luxury in self-reproach. When we blame ourselves we feel that no one else has the right to blame us. It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution” (100).
If one seeks forgiveness, one has to forgive himself first. Dorian immediately writes a passionate love letter to Sibyl saying that he realizes that he was wrong for the way he treated her and seeks forgiveness from her. Dorian feels like his repentance is complete by this letter. This is similar to John Proctor from The Crucible. After Proctor signs the confession for having done witchcraft, he demands Judge Danforth to not show his confession to the people of Salem, for he already repented through his signature. He did not want to imperfect his name. Luckily, Proctor realized he did not need to worry about being accused by all the townspeople, for God was the final judge. Hopefully, Dorian will come to a similar conclusion, maybe even through Sibyl's brother, James, who promised to kill anyone who hurt her.
"the portrait [...] would be a guide to him through life, would be to him what holiness is to some, and conscience to others, and the fear of God to us all" (99).
Now that we are reassured the painting changes with Dorian's emotions, the portrait has become a symbol of his sin. It seems that the artist, Hallward, is not the only one to leave a secret within this masterpiece. Dorian's conscience has become concrete through the painting. His moral judgments will now be decided upon by overlooking the past displayed upon his face: "every experience is of value" (79). With experience, we learn from our mistakes. Basil's painting has given reality to all of Dorian's experiences and emotions and gives him "a fresh impulse of joy" (20) to remind him of his wrong.
Vocabulary:
"Was there some subtle affinity between the chemical atoms [...]?" (99).
affinity- n. a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something
"she either becomes dreadfully dowdy, or wears very smart bonnets" (103).
dowdy- adj. unfashionable and without style in appearance
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