The following excerpt presents Dorian Gray's chilling self-destruction through the use of language, structure, and form. Filled with gothic suspense, Oscar Wilde presents the mental and physical effects of an opium addiction. Oscar Wilde begins the extract using a pathetic error. This almost instantly suggests to the reader that Dorian Gray's life is deteriorating, just like the "cold rain [that] began to fall." The way he is "lying" in the shed, on the one hand, suggests that he is simply content, calm, and oblivious to his surroundings, but on the other hand, it implies that he is willfully ignorant and lacking in understanding. enthusiasm because he has just given up. . However, by repeating the words spoken by Lord Henry, it suggests that Gray is no longer blissfully ignorant but is awakening to the realization of reality. This apparent carelessness that Dorian Gray seems to have adopted is then contradicted when he sinisterly evokes the “sordid shame” he feels towards the “big city”. This could either emphasize how bitter he feels towards how the "big city" contributed to his destruction, or the smooth rhythm of the sibilant could reflect his peace as he relaxes. Although, to some extent, this "apathetic" manner creates a threatening atmosphere as it contrasts with the grotesque imagery of the "flowing mist" as seen in the previous paragraph, so much so that it complements it by adding to the suspense of the passage. Gray's worldview appears to have been distorted by addiction. The way he explains how to "buy oblivion" shows not only the extent of his opium addiction, but also how dire his life situation has become because he is willing to pay to get caught. ..... middle of paper ......n lies. Road conditions also deteriorate throughout the passage, reflecting his increasingly poor mentality. However, since the roads aren't disappearing completely, this could imply that the future isn't as negative as Gray thinks. Likewise, where the fog was "lighter" this also suggests that things will improve, but this could just be false hope. However, the last sentence, spoken by the driver of the trap, is so presented as a normal conversation that it only accentuates Dorian Gray's confusion. To conclude, Oscar Wilde flawlessly presents the profound mental implications of a man who is not only fighting for forgiveness. in itself but the implications of drug addiction. The language and imagery used have been carefully crafted to contribute to the frightening atmosphere that leaves the reader in suspense from start to finish..