The Search for Experience and Its Emptiness

Dorian's quest for a 'new hedonism' leads to a life of intense sensations but ultimately leaves him empty and unsatisfied.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Promise of the New Hedonism

The Promise of the New Hedonism The Vision of Life Lord Henry proposes a new hedonism that will 're-create life' and save it from puritanism. It promises to make every sensation a sacred experience. Dorian is drawn to this vision. The Initial Excitement Dorian feels that life is suddenly 'fiery-colored.' He is eager to explore everything. The promise seems intoxicating.

The Reality of the Search

The Reality of the Search The Systematic Experience Dorian studies perfumes, music, jewels, and embroidery. He attends curious concerts and collects rare objects. He tries to experience everything, but the pleasure is fleeting. The Growing Dissatisfaction Despite his wealth and freedom, Dorian feels a 'terrible sense of the necessity for the continuance of energy in the same wearisome round.' The search for experience leads to boredom.

The Descent into Vice

The Descent into Vice The Darker Experiences Dorian moves beyond aesthetic pleasures to vice. He visits opium dens, associates with criminals, and corrupts the young. The search for new sensations takes a dark turn. The Moral Emptiness Even vice does not satisfy. Dorian's soul becomes 'sick with longing.' The new hedonism has led to a spiritual void. The emptiness is deeper than before.

The Attempt at Asceticism

The Attempt at Asceticism The Temporary Turn After Basil's murder, Dorian briefly considers religion. He is attracted to the Roman Catholic ritual. But he cannot sustain any form of discipline. The Failure of Change Dorian's character is too corrupted to embrace asceticism. He returns to his old ways. The search for experience is a trap from which he cannot escape.

The Ultimate Emptiness

The Ultimate Emptiness The Hollow Life Dorian realizes that he has experienced everything but feels nothing. His life is a 'living death.' He is utterly alone and empty. The Final Reckoning The new hedonism has failed to provide meaning. Dorian's soul is 'hideous.' The search for experience ends in utter despair. The novel concludes that a life devoted to sensation without ethics is a life wasted.

Lord Henry's early speeches, Chapter II

Years of pursuit, Chapter IX

Later years, Chapter IX

Briefly, after the murder

Before his death, Chapter XIII