Picture of Dorian Gray

In the novel, Picture of Dorian Gray, the power of one to affect another is a theme that pervades the novel. Where do we see that in our society and culture? At first, Basil is influenced by his model Dorian. On a personal level, he is confused and changed by his romantic feelings, but Dorian’s influence is also more far-reaching, actually seeming to change Basil’s ability for painting, and to change the painting itself in an almost supernatural way. Influence here describes an almost chemical change that one can assign to; however, what are the dangers of such influence, then and now?