A Sinner's Punishment

I believe that a supposed sinner is punished for their actions, perhaps not exactly how the 'universe' thinks they should be, but more so how society thinks they should be. For instance homosexuality is often looke upon as a sin an is something many people shy away from or try to hide. Once such person who supposedly hid such acts from the world was Oscar Wilde. Wilde was alleged 'sodomite' and appeared in court twice to address these allegations. I believe that is is reflected in Basil Hallward from The Picture of Dorian Gray. Basil seems to have an almost infatuated sort of regard for Dorian. There is one instance for example where, before beginning Dorian's porait sitting, Basil requests that Lord Henry leave so that he, Lord Henry, does not disturb them. He has no desire to share his portrait, and in turn his obsession with Dorian, with the world and declares he shall never place the painting in any gallery. He hides his supposed sin from the world much like the other characters in the story. Dorian's sins, like Basil's, are hidden from the world within the form of his painting. It is curious to think that sins are seen as something that should be hidden away when it is Dorian and Basil who suffer for their sins, rather than Lord Henry who wears them upon his sleeve.