Basil does not want Lord Henry to influence Dorian, so he would rather that he leave then say and talk with him. When Dorian asks that Henry stay, Basil allows it and Henry says this quote in response to Dorian asking if he really is a bad influence. Henry says that all influence is bad because it changes people, and does not allow them to think naturally. Henry does not seem to influence Basil in any way because Basil often thinks that Henry does not even believe in what he is saying. However, Henry's advice does seem to greatly affect Dorian, especially on the issue of youth. It seems that all these characters influence each other. Henry influences Dorian, Dorian influences Basil, and the portrait painted by Basil influences Dorian.
2) “I am jealous of everything whose beauty does not die. I am jealous of the portrait you have painted of me. Why should it keep what I must lose? Every moment that passes takes something from me, and gives something to it. Oh, if it were only the other way!” (29).
Dorian says this because he has been influenced by the words of Lord Henry, just as Basil feared. Henry tells him that his youth is all Dorian has, and when he loses it his life will be meaningless. When Dorian sees the portrait, he becomes jealous of its timeless beauty and youth. He wishes with all his soul that the painting would age instead of himself. He stops Basil from destroying the painting because he believes that it is a part of him now. Dorian's connection to the painting will be very important.
Definitions:
1 ) "And Lord Henry flung himself down on the divan, and opened his cigarette-case" (18).
divan: noun - a long low sofa without a back or arms
2) "I think that would be a rather nice excuse: it would have all the surprise of candor" (31).
candor: noun- the quality of being open and honest in expression
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