The following excerpt presents the chilling self-destruction of Dorian Gray through the use of language, structure and form. Filled with gothic suspense, Oscar Wilde presents the mental and physical effects of an opium addiction. Oscar Wilde begins the excerpt with the use of a pathetic fallacy. This almost instantly suggests to the reader that Dorian Gray's life is deteriorating, just like the "cold rain [that] has begun to fall." The way he is "lying" in the carriage on the one hand suggests that he is simply content, calm and unaware of his surroundings, but on the other hand implies that he is willfully ignorant and unenthusiastic because he has just given up. . However, by repeating the words spoken by Lord Henry, it is suggested that Gray is no longer blissfully ignorant but is awakening to the realization of reality. This seemingly carefree attitude that Dorian Gray seems to have adopted is later contradicted when he ominously mentions the “sordid shame” he feels towards the “big city”. This could emphasize the bitterness he feels towards the way the "big city" contributed to his destruction, or the smooth rhythm of the sibilants could reflect his peace as he unwinds. Although to some extent this “listless” manner creates an ominous atmosphere as it contrasts with the grotesque imagery of the “dripping fog” as seen in the previous paragraph almost to the point of complementing it by adding suspense to the passage. Gray's worldview appears to have been distorted by addiction. The way he says how one can "buy oblivion" shows not only the extent of his opium addiction, but also how drastic his life situation has become because he is willing to pay to take himself...half of paper......n lies. The road conditions also get increasingly worse during the passage and this reflects his worsening mentality, however as the roads do not completely disappear this could imply that the future is not as bad as Gray thinks. Likewise, where the fog was “lighter” it also suggests that things will get better, however this may just be a false hope. However, the final sentence, spoken by the trapist, is presented so much like a normal conversation that it accentuates how troubled Dorian Gray is. To conclude, Oscar Wilde flawlessly presents the profound mental implications of a man who not only strives for forgiveness. itself but the implications of a drug addiction. The language and imagery used have been carefully crafted to help create a chilling atmosphere that leaves the reader in suspense from start to finish.