Join David, Heidi, and Tim as they discuss the introduction of Sibyl Vane and her family, Dorian’s infatuation and un-infatuation with her, and the picture’s emerging frowny face.
In defense of Jim Vane, I think he could be read as believable and I view him sympathetically. This is in no small part because I have an older brother who was in the military when I started dating and he teased (somewhat seriously) that so long as a guy treated me well he was fine, but if anyone ever treated me poorly to let him know and he would handle it for me. I am pretty sure he was joking about “handling him”, but Jim’s speech to his sister felt to be in the same vein and thus believable. I think Jim has some of the clearest motives in the story and that the family history of use and neglect and the prior hurt to his dignity was enough grounds for the promise.
In defense of Jim Vane, I think he could be read as believable and I view him sympathetically. This is in no small part because I have an older brother who was in the military when I started dating and he teased (somewhat seriously) that so long as a guy treated me well he was fine, but if anyone ever treated me poorly to let him know and he would handle it for me. I am pretty sure he was joking about “handling him”, but Jim’s speech to his sister felt to be in the same vein and thus believable. I think Jim has some of the clearest motives in the story and that the family history of use and neglect and the prior hurt to his dignity was enough grounds for the promise.
In light of what Heidi was talking about regarding Wilde's life, I think it's worth listening to this talk by Joseph Pearce. https://instituteofcatholicculture.org/events/unmasking-oscar-wilde
Lord Henry toying with Dorian reminds me of a scene in The Garden of Eden when Satan tempts Eve and Adam, seeking to corrupt them.