Basil does not like the cynicism of Lord Henry Wotton, also called Harry, and he is too scared that he will influence Dorian and that he loses the purity of youth. Harry has many shocking theories about life, woman and marriage; however he does not live by them. For Dorian he is something new and tempting; Harry seems to know so much about life and Dorian is so curious about it that he falls for Harry completely. Like Harry said himself, ˜Yes Dorian, you will always be fond of me. I represent to you all the sins you have never had the courage to commit.' (Wilde 94) .
Lord Henry does not, unlike others, undergo any changes; he still has his immoral theories in the end, like he did in the beginning, and as the story continues we find them more and more improbable. It is not so hard to tell if it is just a pose; even though all we see is only his life in society and we never see his private life. He is part of the better society, he goes to the theatre and there is no mention of him doing something against morality. He tells Dorian about all the pleasures of life without actually knowing their consequences. Lord Henry could actually be consider a good guy too if he didn't promote bad behavior. .
We could compare Basil to the angel sitting on Dorian's shoulder and Harry to the devil, who in the end wins. The paradox is both are responsible for Dorian's fall. Thanks to the angel's painting and the devil's words Dorian can walk the earth looking young and innocent.
˜The artist is the creator of beautiful things,' (Wilde 6) as it is said in the Preface. Beauty is very important throughout the book and also when it comes to the question of morality. In the very beginning, Harry makes Dorian think about the transience of beauty, how he should cherish what he has and that leads to Dorian's wish " to stay young and for the painting to grow old. The connection of beauty and art is seen also when it comes to Sibyl Vane " she seems to Dorian beautiful only when she is a work of art, only when she is the character of the play.
