The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Summary
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Chapter 1-2
Lord Henry visits Basil Hallward’s house, where Basil is painting a portrait. Lord Henry admires the portrait’s beauty, suggesting it be displayed in an art gallery. Basil demurs, stating the painting holds a part of his soul. He reveals the subject is Dorian Gray, a young man with whom Basil is infatuated but uncertain of his feelings. Lord Henry desires an introduction to Dorian, but Basil hesitates. The servant announces Dorian’s arrival.
Chapter 3
Lord Henry, Basil, and Dorian are together. Basil urges Lord Henry to leave, but Dorian remains. Lord Henry engages Dorian in conversation, discussing the fleeting nature of youth and beauty. Dorian is captivated by Lord Henry’s words, leaving him feeling altered.
Chapter 4
Basil completes the portrait. Dorian’s initial joy turns to contemplation of Lord Henry’s words. Lord Henry attempts to purchase the portrait, but Basil insists it belongs to Dorian. Dorian makes a wish: that he remain eternally young while the portrait ages. He angrily rejects Basil’s offer to destroy the painting, revealing a disturbing attachment to it.
Chapter 5
Lord Henry seeks information about Dorian from his aunt, Lady Agatha. He learns of Dorian’s parentage: the son of the beautiful Lady Margaret Devereux, who died shortly after his birth. Lady Agatha hosts a party, inviting Lord Henry and Dorian. Dorian and Lord Henry connect, and Dorian expresses a desire to accompany Lord Henry.
Chapter 6
Dorian confides in Lord Henry about his love for an actress, Sybil Vane, whom he finds captivating. He describes discovering her in a London theatre, performing in Romeo and Juliet. He invites Lord Henry and Basil to see her performance. Lord Henry observes a change in Dorian, questioning the source of this transformation. He receives a letter revealing Dorian’s intention to marry Sybil.
Chapter 7
Sybil Vane discusses her love for Dorian with her mother. Her brother, James Vane, a sailor, enters the scene and speaks of Dorian’s travels before departing.
Chapter 8
Basil and Lord Henry attend Sybil’s performance. While initially impressed by her beauty, they are disappointed by her poor acting. Dorian is cruel to Sybil after the performance, crushing her spirit. Upon returning home, Dorian discovers a change in his portrait, realizing the cruelty of his actions and his desire to reconcile with Sybil.
Chapter 9
Dorian awakens to find further changes in his portrait. He writes a letter to Sybil, only to learn from Lord Henry that she has committed suicide. Lord Henry offers cynical justifications for Dorian’s actions. Dorian confronts the consequences of his choices, recognizing the portrait’s power over his life.
Chapter 10
Basil visits Dorian, expressing sorrow over Sybil’s death. Dorian displays indifference. Basil’s desire to exhibit the portrait leads to the revelation of his love for Dorian, which is reflected in the painting. Dorian hides the portrait in a secluded room.
Chapter 11
Years pass, Dorian’s appearance remains unchanged, but his soul becomes increasingly corrupt. Rumors of his wickedness spread, contrasting with his enduring beauty. He becomes increasingly concerned about the portrait and its accelerating depiction of his moral decay.
Chapter 12
Basil confronts Dorian, concerned by the rumors. Basil’s insistence on seeing the portrait leads to a horrifying confrontation. Dorian, consumed by hatred, murders Basil.
Chapter 13
Dorian seeks the help of Alan Campbell, a scientist, to dispose of Basil’s body. Campbell reluctantly agrees under duress. Dorian notices blood on the portrait’s hand.
Chapter 14
Dorian seeks refuge in the East End of London, encountering James Vane, Sybil’s brother. James, recognizing Dorian as the man who caused his sister’s heartbreak, attempts to kill him but ultimately hesitates.
Chapter 15
Dorian is haunted by James Vane’s encounter. During a shooting party, James Vane’s body is discovered, revealing his death.
Chapter 16
Lord Henry and Dorian discuss the events, with Lord Henry remaining detached. Dorian reveals his guilt, but Lord Henry remains skeptical. Dorian refuses to discuss the portrait.
Chapter 17
Dorian, alone, confronts the portrait. In a final act of self-destruction, he stabs the portrait, causing his own aging and death. The police discover his body, its aged appearance contrasting sharply with the youthful portrait.