Oscar Wilde's novel emphasizes a theme of individualism and the corruption as well as ambition that can be a result of another's influence. In this novel, we see Dorian Gray is influenced and corrupted by Lord Henry. Although Lord Henry is not necessarily an evil person, he often puts the experience of "pleasure" before anything else. Our introduction to the character of Dorian Gray was to prove his innocence and purity, perhaps to show his transformation to a man of little morality whose main pursuit is pleasure. The portrait is described before Dorian is even introduced in person to the novel; our first impressions of him are that he is an absolutely beautiful man.
             Ambition may be a positive thing, but too much ambition can lead to a corrupt lifestyle. As Dorian became more fascinated with Lord Henry he became more infatuated with youth. His own youth was the most important thing to him and he was willing to do anything to keep his youth. Even if it meant corrupting the life of himself and of others, Basil was not the first to experience corruption in his life because of Dorian. As Dorian becomes older he realizes that his youth and beauty have stayed the same. Although it seemed rather strange to many people he did not care much anymore what anyone began to say or think.
             The actual portrait revealed the true "soul" of Dorian, and it held the true face of Dorian and how he has aged since. His main ambition was for him to stay young and when he noticed that the picture held the true meaning of him he began to hate the portrait and the painter. He began to say he wished he had never sat for Basil. As the story continued the story became more and more corrupted. He had already caused people commit suicide and even committed murder. His ambition was now only corruption and insanity. There was no longer any justice for the horrible way that Dorian was acting. When James
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