Essay on Reflecting on Design

Submitted By jhdavenport
Words: 740
Pages: 3
Open Document
Reflecting on Design

Lord Henry Wotton is often viewed as a “pessimistic, cynical, and intellectual” character that has no moral emotions. However, the author builds Lord Henry’s character in a way that gives him good reason to behave in this manner. In the article Character Design in The Picture of Dorian Gray, Sheldon W. Liebman notes that critics simplify the novel into “a battle between ethics and aesthetics.” In this “battle,” Lord Henry constantly rallies for the readers’ attention in the arena of aesthetics. This is because the principles that he lives for are concerned with nature and the appreciation of beauty (especially in art). Unfortunately, while those principles standing alone are virtuous, Henry is so pessimistic he has twisted beauty into ugly hedonism.
In a perfect world we live under the Theory of Cosmic Justice. Basil believes that there is a moral order in the world, and fate (or God) punishes wrongdoers and rewards good deeds and behavior. Lord Henry believes that life has no moral order. In his mind, the universe is indifferent to all actions that happen, either good or evil. This position allows him to withdraw from human connections, to become indifferent to the pursuit of any type of pleasure. This step back from morality and human emotions may at first lead the reader to believe Henry is a heartless antagonist, like the many before him; however, this withdrawal allows him to see beyond disillusionment and maintain a clear view of the environment around him.
Liebman claims: “Henry is, first, a scientist and an intellectual...” Lord Henry’s interests are driven by his observation of nature, and his naturally curious mind. “Human life - that appeared to him the one thing worth investigating: Compared to it there was nothing else of value.”(82) It would be simple to view the character as nothing more than a skeptical old man, who has lost all possibility of living his own life, consequently lives vicariously through others. However, when a deeper analysis is made, he turns out to be a scientist, studying the behaviors of the seemingly mindless human beings around him through trial and error. Dorian’s “innocence” and Basil’s belief in the “theory of cosmic justice” make them perfect trial subjects, because they are easily molded into a character worth observing. The ability of Lord Henry to manipulate others’ decisions quickly allows him to experiment with their emotions and stretch them as close to snapping as possible. He then swiftly lets go and watches them unravel into a stretched out tangled pile.
Lord Henry brilliantly takes reality and “transforming everyday human events into aesthetically distanced drama” so he can have a new form of self-expression. Experimenting like a scientist is a sort of role-play for Lord Henry. His “scientific and artist approach to human experience is
Show More

Related Documents: Essay on Reflecting on Design

Joe Masteroff's Cabaret

Through these carefully crafted costume designs, I aim to not only differentiate the characters but also deepen their portrayal on stage, highlighting their inner struggles against fascism and the challenges of their changing lives. In conclusion, my vision for staging Joe Masteroff’s Cabaret revolves…

Words 888 - Pages 4

Cherokee Pottery Research Paper

Designs are often inspired by nature, featuring motifs such as animals, plants, and geometric patterns. The firing process, using techniques like pit firing or kiln firing, imbues the pottery with unique colors and textures, further enhancing its beauty and durability. Each piece of Cherokee pottery tells a story, reflecting the cultural, social, and spiritual contexts in which it was created. Despite the challenges…

Words 497 - Pages 2

Essay on Astronomy Lab

and how they explained the planet’s retrograde motion. The documentary then turns to the technological advances of the telescope since its invention 400 years ago. It started as a simple refracting lens in a long tube, evolved into the enormous reflecting telescopes, and eventually became an orbiting satellite called the Hubble Telescope. The documentary then turned to some of the numerous discoveries made possible by the telescope. Most of the advancements in the study of the expanding universe…

Words 768 - Pages 4

Questions On Space Exploration

| Edmonton. 5. Name 4 items that we use on Earth that were originally designed for use in space. Microelectronics, structural analysis, analysis of smokestack emissions, virtual reality software, manufactured baby and freeze-dried foods, design/manufacture/improvement of helmets, golf balls, running shoes, ski goggles, digital imaging for breast cancer, motion sickness medications, control chronic pain, voice-controlled wheelchairs, microlasers, tire traction, emergency response robots.…

Words 1179 - Pages 5

Puff Mobile Move

puff mobile. Friction causes the puff mobile to lose energy and slow down. Which design features are the most successful on the puff mobile? Explain why. The design features that are the most successful are the designs that can easily collect the “wind energy” from blowing the car which provides a greater force, and in return, the car will go faster. Using the four lifesavers as wheels is also a successful design feature because the wheels reduce the amount of friction from the car and the floor…

Words 562 - Pages 3

Essay on Student: Energy and Environmental Design

Evidence has shown that environmental design has a long history. The Industrial Revolution led to build the suitable residences for different weather conditions. In the past and today, most buildings rely on fossil fuel in order to provide comfort for the occupants. Fossil fuel consumption may affect both the inside and outside of our living places. The most prominent elements of environmental design are air quality, noise level, light and moisture. First, engineers have to invent a way to retain…

Words 308 - Pages 2

Psy 315 Week 2 Math Research Paper

Mathematics 2.13 Investigate a situation involving elements of chance using a simulation (2 credits) Achievement You need to investigate a situation involving elements of chance using a simulation. This requires you to show evidence of using each component of the simulation process. You need to be familiar with the components of the simulation process which involves: - designing a simulation for a given situation - identifying tools to be used - defining a trial and the number of trials -…

Words 480 - Pages 2

History Of Australian Flag Essay

National flags sometimes change over time, usually reflecting a major change in the country's constitutional arrangements or government. Australia′s flag has changed many times. Our present flag dates from only 1901. The Australian National Flag stands for freedom of speech, parliamentary democracy, rule of law, egalitarianism and the courage and sacrifice of the ANZACS. It also represents our geographic position in the southern hemisphere with the Southern Cross while the Commonwealth Star represents…

Words 549 - Pages 3

Maya Lin And Louise Bouris Research Paper

Maya Lin and Louise Bourgeis The Frey Foundation commissioned the design for Maya Lin. Lin’s design water is featured in the frozen, liquid and vapor states. Lin incorporates these three different states of water with a central gathering area for concerts in summer and ice-skating in winter, a misting fountain, and a reflecting pool with a water cascade. Sculpted grasses “waves” echo the rapids of the Grand River, to the park’s west, and honor the feature for which the city is named. Louise Bourgeois…

Words 395 - Pages 2

Dance Critique

I will be reflecting on a dance production that I saw three years ago. I picked this particular show because I distinctively remember how the lighting affected the show. The dancing in the show was generally bad, the lights in many ways helped the show, and in others hurt it. One thing to note is that I was seated in the balcony so I saw everything. What made the show so disappointing was not just the dancing but the lack of respect for the space. The theater that the show took place at was relatively…

Words 465 - Pages 2