Skip to content

Dorian Quote by Oscar Wilde

“Dorian Gray frowned and turned his head away. He could not help liking the tall, graceful young man who was standing by him. His romantic, olive-coloured face and worn expression interested him. There was something in his low languid voice that was absolutely fascinating. His cool, white…” quote by Oscar Wilde
Download Open image
““Dorian Gray frowned and turned his head away. He could not help liking the tall, graceful young man who was standing by him. His romantic, olive-coloured face and worn expression interested him. There was something in his low languid voice that was absolutely fascinating. His cool, white, flowerlike hands, even, had a curious charm. They moved, as he spoke, like music, and seemed to have a language of their own. But he felt afraid of him, and ashamed of being afraid.””

Oscar Wilde

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, 1890

Dorian is drawn to a charismatic young man yet feels fear and shame for his attraction, revealing inner conflict between admiration and self‑judgment.

In simple terms: He admires someone but feels ashamed of his feelings.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and accept complex emotions without judgment.

Themes

admiration fear self‑judgment inner conflict

Mood

conflicted introspective

Type

literary psychological

When to use this quote

  • social interaction
  • self‑reflection
  • artistic appreciation

Key Concepts

psychology human nature emotional complexity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does this fear reveal about his values?
  • How might he reconcile admiration with shame?
A Different Perspective

Fear can mask genuine connection and hinder openness.

2.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Oscar Wilde

Explore all 3,343 Oscar Wilde quotes

More Dorian quotes

Browse all 151 Dorian quotes