y is it that I cannot feel this tragedy as much as I want to? I don't think I am heartless. Do you?" (Wilde 73). Dorian does not realize that he cannot feel the tragedy because of Lord Henry's influence, which is so subtle that Dorian does not understand why or how he is changing. He does not relate his lack of emotions to Lord Henry. His conscience tells him he should be hurting, but he is not. Unfortunately, he accepts his lack of emotions and continues to ignore his conscience because it reduces his feelings of guilt. He feels no pain concerning Sibyl's death. Later he comments to Basil, "What is done is done. What is past is past. It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion." Basil responds by saying, "You talk as if you had no heart, no pity in you. It is all Henry's influence. I see that" (Wilde 79). Henry's influence becomes so strong and powerful that it is almost as if Dorian is brain washed. Dorian truly feels no remorse. He questions this by asking if he is heartless. Lord Henry assures him he is not, while Basil disagrees, accusing him of just the opposite. Unfortunately, Dorian believes Lord Henry due to the control Henry has over him. However, Basil is not blind to the situation. He is able to look at it objectively and see that Lord Henry has a huge influence on Dorian. Basil rightfully blames Lord Henry for Dorian's heartlessness. Dorian's conscience is completely overpowered by Lord Henry's influence. Through these two characters, Wilde proves how easily a person can ignore their conscience and be influenced.Dorian denies the fact that he is completely influenced and corrupted by Lord Henry and also ignores his conscience. Dorian is so corrupted that he even finds pleasure in the fact that he has turned evil. Wilde writes, "Dorian grew more and more enamored of his own beauty, more and more interested in the corruption of his own soul. He would think of the ruin he had b...
