Dorian has been abused emotional and potentially physically as well, trapping him in a cycle of abuse. With the utilization of modern psychological research and studies, the psychological turmoil within Dorian is evident to the reader.

How did Dorian Gray lose his innocence?

Basil believes that Dorian's outer beauty reflects his inner goodness. Hedonism'. This, together with Basil's portrait – which encourages Dorian's narcissism and prompts him to wish he could remain forever young and attractive – initiates Dorian's loss of innocence.

What is Dorian Gray addicted to?

Dorian's physical and mental addiction to opium is significant because it is the first sign the reader sees that although Dorian cannot be destroyed by nature, he can destroy himself. Wilde's descriptive style in this chapter is Gothic in its grotesque, macabre, and fantastic imagery and chilling detail.