Influencing others seems to be a major theme in the book already. This quote may be what Lord Henry believes about influence. He may want to influence Dorian, thus putting his ideas into another individual and seeing them come out affected by youth. This allows for Henry to gain a sense of youthfulness. Henry seems interested with youth, and since Dorian is youthful he becomes fascinated with him. He will try to influence Dorian in order to have his ideas seen through a young mind. Also, many other characters say that Henry does not know what he is saying, or that he does not make sense. It may be that what Henry says is not what he truly believes.
2) “Yes, he would try to be to Dorian Gray what, without knowing it, the lad was to the painter who had fashioned the wonderful portrait. He would seek to dominate him–had already, indeed, half done so. He would make that wonderful spirit his own” (40).
This is Lord Henry's plan for Dorian. He has seen what influence Dorian had on Basil, and now he will try to do the same to Dorian. Lord Henry is fascinated with Dorian's unique youth and beauty, so he will try to, by influencing himself upon Dorian, regain a feeling of youthfulness. When Lord Henry and Dorian are at lunch at Aunt Agatha's, Henry gives fanciful speeches on how he perceives life. This amuses everyone there, including Dorian, who begs Henry to talk with him more. Henry is already greatly influencing Dorian, and Basil would be very displeased with this fact.
Definitions:
1) “Philanthropic people lose all sense of humanity” (38).
philanthropic: adjective-seeking to promote the welfare of others
2) “Worlds had to be in travail, that the meanest flower might blow” (39).
travail: noun- tribulation or agony
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