The murder of Basil Hallward was inevitable. His death results from his passionate devotion and unrequited love for Dorian. To what extent do you agree with this view? .
Response.
Basil Hallward is immediately won over by Dorian Gray and when he describes their first meeting in the first chapter he says "we were quite close, almost touching." This shows how Basil was already in love with Dorian before he even got to know him, his behavior shows that he was fascinated with Dorian and his actions shows some signs of flirting which was not approved at the time. Homosexual acts were punishable by death until 1861 and it was only legalized in the UK in 1967, Basil's death was inevitable as he exclaims in the first chapter "I have show in it the secret of my own soul." Dorian takes advantage of Basil's naivety as Lord Henry has turned Dorian from a sweet and innocent boy into a dangerous and manipulative man, Basil tries to save Dorian from Henry's corruption but it is too late as Dorian has traded his soul for eternal youth. .
Basil Hallward is easily manipulated by Dorian as he sees him as being innocent and pure, this however isn't a true reflection of Dorian as his change in attitude is due to Lord Henry's influence. Dorian has a stronger hold on Dorian than Basil as Lord Henry offers Dorian excitement and the pursuit of pleasure whereas as Basil is trying to abide by society's ideals and act in a moral way. When Dorian reveals the painting to Basil he tries to pray by saying "sins be as scarlet, yet I will make them as white as snow" this shows the extent in which Basil goes to in order to save Dorian from his corrupt life but Dorian is not happy with Basil's actions which leads to him stabbing the latter. Plato said "the two are struck from their senses by love" this has happened to Basil as he has become so blinded by his love for Dorian that he won't accept who Dorian really is.