The Picture of Dorian Gray was such a good novel. I found the issue of morality to be very interesting. Dorian's morality is effected a lot by his obsession with youth. Dorian can't even bare to fathom the fact that he will one day face old age. This type of belief causes Dorian to act in certain ways even if it is immoral. Once Dorian knows how adored he is for his beauty within society, he wants his image to remain that way no matter what the cost. I believe that society and culture had a big influence in Dorian's obsession with youth. Status and image meant being respected in this time and Dorian was constantly reminded of that.
It was also interesting to read the different internal conflicts within Dorian and Lord Henry in relation to morality. Instead of worrying about what kind of person he is, Dorian is plagued with fears of aging and losing his beauty. On top of those fears, after meeting Lord Henry his morality is basically nonexistant. Lord Henry believes in living only for one's self and for no other reason. Does he believe in any type of moral code? He also knows how much of an influence he has in Dorian's life and wants to interfere only because he is interested in Dorian. I don't know whether or not he is really concerned with Dorian's happiness. Lord Henry also convinces Dorian that Sibyl's suicide is a positive thing. He tells him to remember that what's done is done. Dorian then feels no remorse for having caused the tragedy. Dorian also murders Basil and never admits to it. He kills Basil for no reason besides his own messed up issues and then blackmails an acquaintance into disposing of the body. Dorian's entire life is filled with issues of morality and it is not until the very end that he begins to see that his life was full of crime and pain. I was glad to see that Dorian did develop some sense of morality and he even told Lord Henry that he did not take advantage of a woman he easily could have. On the other hand, Lord Henry did not change at all.
The final issue I found interesting involving morality is that of the painting. Is the painting changing in accordance to Dorian's morality? Was it the changes in the painting that drove Dorian to fight even more for his youth? I think the painting represents Dorian's conscience. It allowed him to see who he actually was behind the beautiful face. One can not escape from their own moral conscience. The painting shows not to value beauty or status over your own morality.
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