The Picture of Dorian Gray: A Tale of Morality and Beauty

Chapter I

Dorian Gray’s First Encounter with Lord Henry

Dorian Gray meets Lord Henry Wotton while posing for a portrait by Basil Hallward. Lord Henry’s casual conversation about the importance of youth and beauty captivates Dorian. In contrast, Dorian finds Basil’s silence during painting rather dull.

The Allure of Eternal Youth

Lord Henry’s words about the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of indulging in the senses deeply affect Dorian. He wishes that his portrait would age instead of him, allowing him to remain eternally young.

Chapter II

Dorian’s Family History

Lord Henry learns more about Dorian’s lineage, discovering that his uncle, Lord Kelso, was acquainted with Dorian’s mother, Margaret Devereux. Margaret, the daughter of Lord Kelso, fell in love with a poor man, whom Lord Kelso allegedly had killed. This tragic event led to a permanent estrangement between Margaret and her father.

The “Son of Love and Death”

Intrigued by Dorian’s family history and captivated by his beauty, Lord Henry dubs him the “Son of Love and Death.” He sees in Dorian the potential for both great passion and destructive tendencies.

A Gathering at Aunt Agatha’s

Lord Henry, Dorian, and friends of Lord Henry’s aunt, Agatha, gather to discuss their perspectives on life, particularly the American way of life. Lord Henry’s insights on the superficiality of society and the importance of embracing joy resonate with the guests.

Chapter III

Dorian’s Infatuation with Sibyl Vane

A month later, Dorian confesses to Lord Henry and Basil that he has fallen in love with Sibyl Vane, an actress he met at a theater. He describes her as his “Prince Charming” and convinces his friends to attend a performance to witness her talent.

The Nature of Impulses

Basil and Lord Henry reflect on the nature of human impulses, noting that our weakest impulses are often those we are most aware of. They also ponder how experiments intended for others can inadvertently become experiments on ourselves.

Chapter IV

Sibyl’s Family and Her Brother’s Warning

Sibyl returns home and excitedly tells her mother about her “Prince Charming.” Her mother, however, cautions her against marriage unless her suitor is wealthy. Sibyl’s brother, James, enters and expresses his disapproval, vowing to protect his sister from any harm. He warns their mother to care for Sibyl as he prepares to leave for Australia.

Chapter V

Dorian’s Secret Engagement

Lord Henry, Basil, and Dorian meet at a hotel. While waiting for Dorian, Lord Henry reveals to Basil that Dorian has become engaged to Sibyl Vane. Basil expresses his concern, believing that Sibyl might be motivated by Dorian’s wealth. Dorian arrives and declares his love for Sibyl, emphasizing the need for secrecy due to his underage status. He plans to marry her as soon as he comes of age.

Chapter VI

Disappointment at the Theater

The trio arrives at the theater where Sibyl performs. Lord Henry finds the venue distasteful and criticizes everything he sees, but Basil supports Dorian’s happiness. When the curtain rises, both friends are struck by Sibyl’s beauty, but her performance proves to be artificial and lacking in talent. Disappointed, Lord Henry suggests they leave to avoid the audience’s disapproval.

Dorian’s Rejection of Sibyl

Dorian is bewildered by Sibyl’s poor performance, calling her a vulgar and mediocre actress. Basil, before leaving with Lord Henry, reminds Dorian that love is more beautiful than art and advises him not to speak ill of someone he loves.

The Aftermath of the Performance

After the play, Dorian confronts Sibyl, criticizing her performance and humiliating her. He rejects her attempts at reconciliation, claiming that he fell in love with the art she portrayed, not the person. Despite her pleas, Dorian leaves the theater, abandoning Sibyl.

Chapter VII

The Changing Portrait and Sibyl’s Death

The following morning, Dorian notices a change in his portrait. He believes it reflects his cruel treatment of Sibyl. He writes her a letter apologizing and reaffirming his promise of marriage. However, Lord Henry arrives and informs Dorian of Sibyl’s death.

Lord Henry’s Concern for Dorian’s Reputation

Dorian is shocked by the news, while Lord Henry worries about the potential scandal and its impact on Dorian’s reputation. He reminds Dorian of their opera engagement, suggesting it as a way to divert attention from Sibyl’s death.

Chapter VIII

Basil’s Concern and Dorian’s Transformation

Basil visits Dorian, concerned about his emotional state after Sibyl’s death. However, he is taken aback by Dorian’s cold detachment. Basil realizes that Dorian has changed profoundly.

The Secret of the Portrait

Basil expresses his worry about the legal implications of Sibyl’s death and inquires whether anyone knew Dorian’s name. Reassured by Dorian’s explanation that Sibyl only knew him as “Prince Charming,” Basil requests to paint a portrait of Sibyl. Dorian refuses to pose and reminds Basil of his promise not to exhibit the original portrait. He agrees to let Basil take the portrait to Paris on the condition that Basil reveals his secret. Basil agrees, but only if Dorian answers a question: “Have you noticed any change in the portrait?” Dorian’s reaction confirms Basil’s suspicions. Dorian confesses his secret desire for eternal youth and his wish for the portrait to bear the burden of his aging and sins. Basil is shocked by the confession and expresses his own infatuation with Dorian. He refuses to paint Dorian again and insists that no one else should ever see the portrait. He plans to move the painting to a new location.

Chapter IX

Hiding the Portrait

Dorian instructs his servant to summon two men to help move the portrait. They carry it to the room Dorian occupied as a child. He locks the room and keeps the only key.

Dorian’s Growing Paranoia

Dorian reads a news report about Sibyl’s death sent by Lord Henry. He becomes increasingly paranoid and easily angered, his obsession with the portrait consuming him. He finds solace in a book about dreams sent by Lord Henry, which reveals hidden aspects of his own thoughts and desires.

Chapter X

The Influence of the Book and Dorian’s Social Life

Years pass, and the book continues to influence Dorian’s life, shaping his experiences and worldview. People marvel at his unchanging youthfulness, but some former friends distance themselves without explanation. Dorian remains indifferent to their departure and continues his active social life.

Dorian’s Search for Meaning

Dorian observes the aging of his portrait and realizes that his wish has come true. However, his agelessness does not bring him the satisfaction he had anticipated. He embarks on a quest for meaning, exploring various pursuits such as religion, music, extravagant parties, jewelry, and tapestries. He exerts a particular influence on young people, which he finds both exhilarating and unsettling.

Chapter XI

Basil’s Confrontation and Dorian’s Confession

At the age of thirty-eight, Dorian encounters Basil, who insists on speaking with him before his departure for Paris. Basil confronts Dorian about the negative impact he has had on young people, many of whom have met tragic ends. Dorian defends himself, claiming that he understands their lives but they do not understand his. He accuses them of hypocrisy and reveals his knowledge of their deepest secrets. Basil urges Dorian to examine his own soul and refrain from judging others. Dorian, angered by Basil’s accusations, decides to reveal his soul to him.

Chapter XII

The Revelation of the Portrait and Basil’s Murder

Dorian leads Basil to the room where he has hidden the portrait. Basil is horrified by the sight of the aged and corrupted image. He attempts to rationalize the changes as the result of dampness and mold. Overcome by hatred, Dorian murders Basil, stabbing him in the neck. He leaves the room undetected and instructs his servant to avoid any connection to Basil’s death.

Chapter XIII

Dorian’s Lack of Remorse and Alan Campbell’s Assistance

The next morning, Dorian awakens without remorse. He searches his address book for Alan Campbell, a chemist, believing that Alan can help him dispose of Basil’s body. Dorian sends his servant to fetch Alan, who initially refuses to assist but eventually succumbs to Dorian’s threats. Dorian instructs his servant to leave, giving Alan the afternoon to complete the task. Alan returns, pale but composed, and informs Dorian that he has fulfilled his request. Dorian inspects the room, finding no trace of the body but a lingering odor of nitric acid.

Chapter XIV

Dorian’s Double Life and Lord Henry’s Observations

At eight-thirty that evening, Dorian attends a social gathering at Lady Narborough’s home, seemingly unaffected by the events of the day. He experiences the thrill of a double life but also feels a sense of unease. He finds comfort in Lord Henry’s presence. Lord Henry notices Dorian’s distress and inquires about the cause. Lady Narborough suggests that Dorian is in love, but Dorian denies it, claiming not to have been in love since Madame Ferrol. At midnight, Dorian departs and instructs his driver to take him to a specific address.

Chapter XV

Dorian’s Descent into the Depths of London

As Dorian rides through the city, he reflects on Lord Henry’s words about healing the soul through the senses and the senses through the soul. He acknowledges the sickness of his soul and his inability to find forgiveness, but he resolves to forget his sins. He arrives at a squalid waterfront district and enters a dilapidated house. Inside, he witnesses scenes of poverty and degradation, including children gambling with bone dice, women mocking an old man, and a general atmosphere of despair. Dorian is overwhelmed by his guilt and haunted by the memory of Basil’s eyes. He seeks escape at a nearby opium den, where he drinks brandy with Adrian Singleton and attempts to avoid unwanted attention from the women present. As he leaves, a woman shouts, “There goes the one who made a pact with the devil!” Dorian retorts that he prefers the title “Prince Charming.” He is accosted by a burly man, James Vane, who demands to know what Dorian did to his sister, Sibyl. Dorian denies knowing Sibyl, claiming that he is too young to have met her. James eventually releases Dorian after realizing his mistake.

Chapter XVI

Dorian’s Fear and Remorse

Dorian is consumed by fear and remorse. He is haunted by the memory of James Vane and terrified of death. He confesses to Lord Henry his premonition of something terrible happening to one of them. Lord Henry dismisses his fears, attributing them to boredom. Dorian instructs his servant to prepare for his departure to London that evening. While packing, the gamekeeper arrives and informs Dorian about the death of a sailor. Dorian suspects that the sailor is James Vane and goes to confirm his fears. He views the body and is overcome with grief.

Chapter XVII

Dorian’s Attempts at Redemption and Lord Henry’s Skepticism

Dorian expresses his desire to change and do good deeds. He recounts his recent act of kindness towards Hetty Merton, a young woman he had been seeing. He claims to have resisted the temptation to harm her, unlike his past behavior towards others. Lord Henry remains skeptical of Dorian’s transformation. They discuss the disappearance of Basil, with Dorian suggesting that Basil might have been murdered. Lord Henry dismisses the idea, considering Basil too naive to have enemies. Dorian confesses to murdering Basil, but Lord Henry merely comments that all crime is vulgar and all vulgarity is a crime. He inquires about the portrait, but Dorian claims to have forgotten about it and never liked it. Lord Henry asks, “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” Dorian responds that the soul is a terrible reality and that each person has the power to either poison or perfect it.

Chapter XVIII

Lord Henry’s Curiosity and Dorian’s Decision

Lord Henry questions Dorian about the secret of his youthful appearance and wonders about the eventual outcome of his life. He expresses satisfaction that Dorian’s life has been a work of art. Dorian acknowledges the exquisiteness of his life but declares his intention to change his ways. He excuses himself, claiming fatigue, and retires for the night.

Chapter XIX

Dorian’s Regret and Desire for Purity

On his way home, Dorian overhears two young men mention his name. He recalls his past enjoyment of notoriety but now finds it tiresome. He returns home and reflects on his corrupted youth and the shame it has brought him. He longs for the innocence of his adolescence and regrets the moment he wished for the portrait to bear the burden of his aging and sins. He believes that it would have been better to face the consequences of his actions directly. He contemplates the deaths of Sibyl Vane, James Vane, and Alan Campbell, as well as Basil’s disappearance. He realizes that his own soul is the true source of his torment. He decides that destroying the portrait will bring him peace.

Chapter XX

The Destruction of the Portrait and Dorian’s Fate

Dorian enters the room where the portrait is hidden and pulls back the curtain. He cries out in pain and indignation at the sight of the corrupted image. He grabs the knife he used to kill Basil and stabs the portrait. A horrible scream echoes through the house, alerting the servants. They rush to the room and find the portrait restored to its original beauty, depicting Dorian in his youthful splendor. On the floor lies a dead man in evening dress, a knife plunged into his heart. His face is withered and repulsive. Upon examining his rings, they identify him as Dorian Gray. Dorian has finally freed his soul from the hell he created in his pursuit of eternal physical beauty.