Psychopathic Parallels

     Narcissists harbor a strong sense of entitlement, self-glorifying fantasies, and a craving for admiration from others. Narcissists can be charismatic and charming, but are often self-absorbed, controlling, and insensitive. If one is even slightly ridiculed, they might be provoked into a fit of destructive rage and will seek revenge. 

    Both Dorian Gray and Lord Henry are strongly narcissistic; while Lord Henry’s narcissism is insightful and quite charming, Dorian’s narcissism is cold and detrimental. The latter’s self-absorption and blind self-love leads Sibyl to kill herself and Basil to be horrifically murdered. Dorian’s narcissistic personality causes him to be highly ambitious, confident, driven, and allows him to possess the ability to exploit people and situations to maximize advantage at that given time. On the other hand, Henry’s narcissistic personality causes him to be an expert at charming and manipulating others, and thus adept at building strong “business-like” relationships.

    In a study at the University of Surrey in England, researchers found that psychopaths like Dorian are more likely to be “unsuccessful psychopaths” and individuals like Henry are likely to be ‘successful psychopaths”. The key difference between the two is that “unsuccessful psychopaths” behave impulsively and irresponsibly, whereas “successful psychopaths” are able to inhibit or at least restrain destructive tendencies and build on their achievements. In other words, Dorian lacks conscience and feeling for others; he selfishly takes what he wants and does as he pleases — violating social norms and expectations without the slightest sense of guilt or regret.

    Maybe the difference between Dorian and Lord Henry’s psychological makeup is the reason why Dorian doesn’t seem to have a very bright future…