1. "All art is quite useless."
* Source: This is the epigram that precedes the novel itself.
* Significance: Wilde uses this statement to set the stage for the book's themes. It suggests that art is not meant to be practical or useful in the traditional sense. Instead, it exists for its own sake, for beauty, for the exploration of ideas, and for the pursuit of pleasure. Dorian Gray's pursuit of beauty and pleasure, however destructive, embodies this idea.
2. "To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."
* Source: Spoken by Lord Henry Wotton to Dorian Gray.
* Significance: This epigram encapsulates a central theme of the novel – the pursuit of pure, unadulterated experience and sensation. Wotton suggests that most people merely go through the motions of life, lacking true passion or self-awareness. Dorian, initially, embodies the opposite—he craves and seeks intense experiences, driven by his desire to live life to the fullest.
3. "The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it."
* Source: Also spoken by Lord Henry Wotton.
* Significance: This epigram speaks to the hedonistic philosophy that Wotton espouses. It suggests that resisting pleasure only makes it more desirable. This philosophy ultimately proves dangerous for Dorian, who succumbs to his desires with tragic consequences.
4. "There is no such thing as a good influence, Mr. Gray. All influence is immoral—illegitimate and dangerous."
* Source: Lord Henry Wotton, again.
* Significance: Wotton's belief that all influence is inherently bad points to his cynical view of human nature. This idea is connected to the theme of free will versus determinism. If all influence is immoral, then is Dorian truly responsible for his choices?
5. "The only people who are really happy are those who don't know anything."
* Source: Again from Lord Henry.
* Significance: This epigram connects to the idea of innocence and the potential consequences of knowledge. Dorian's initial innocence and ignorance are gradually corrupted by experience and the influence of others.
6. "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."
* Source: Lord Henry Wotton.
* Significance: This epigram points to the novel's exploration of self-love and its consequences. Dorian becomes obsessed with his own beauty and with maintaining it at all costs. This self-love becomes a form of narcissism and ultimately leads to his destruction.
These epigrams serve not only as memorable quotes but also as key insights into the novel's themes and character development. They encapsulate Wilde's wit, his philosophical musings, and his exploration of the complexities of human nature.