The Picture of Dorian Gray Summary
Description
Here you will find a The Picture of Dorian Gray summary (Oscar Wilde's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.
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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024
Chapters
Chapters The Picture of Dorian Gray Summary Overview
At the opulent residence of his aunt, Lady Brandon, esteemed painter Basil Hallward encounters the charming and handsome Dorian Gray. The youth's beauty and wealth fascinate Basil, inspiring him to portray Dorian in several paintings, often as a Greek hero or a mythological figure. However, Basil is dissatisfied with his first realistic portrait of Dorian, feeling it reveals too much of his sentiments towards his muse. Contrarily, his companion, Lord Henry Wotton, a notorious cynic who glorifies beauty, youth, and hedonism, declares it Basil's best work. Yet, Basil worries about introducing Dorian to Lord Henry, fearing his friend's corruptive influence. Basil's apprehensions are justified when Lord Henry's discussion about the fleeting nature of beauty and youth perturbs Dorian. Terrified of losing his charm, Dorian wishes his portrait would age instead of him. In his angst, he offers his soul to ensure the painting bears the brunt of his aging and wrongdoings while he remains youthful forever. Soon, Dorian succumbs to Lord Henry's influence, embracing hedonism and focusing on pleasure-seeking. He falls for Sibyl Vane, an actress from a London slum theatre, who is equally smitten by him. When Sibyl renounces acting due to her strong feelings for Dorian, he cold-heartedly breaks off their engagement, leading to her tragic suicide. Meanwhile, Dorian notices a change in his portrait - it now reflects a scornful expression, confirming his fear that the canvas is mirroring his moral degradation. As Dorian delves deeper into a life of sin, guided by a book Lord Henry gave him, his reputation in polite society dwindles. Despite rumors about his scandalous behavior, his peers continue to accept him, captivated by his undying youth and beauty. However, his portrait becomes increasingly grotesque, reflecting his moral decay. When Basil confronts him about the rumors, Dorian shows him the hideous portrait, leading to an argument that ends with Dorian murdering Basil. Afterward, Dorian indulges in various debaucheries, including visiting an opium den, but is haunted by his past wrongdoings. In a fit of rage, he decides to destroy the revealing portrait, which ironically leads to his demise. His servants find him dead, aged, and disfigured, while his portrait reverts to its original depiction of a handsome young man.
preface
The Introduction comprises a collection of clever, brief expressions which encapsulate the essential beliefs of Oscar Wilde's philosophy of aesthetics. Essentially, these expressions applaud beauty and reject the idea that art should fulfill a moral function.
chapter 1
Basil Hallward, a renowned artist, is in his lavish London residence, having a conversation about his latest portrait with his sharp-witted and unprincipled friend, Lord Henry Wotton. Lord Henry is in awe of the painting, which features a stunning, golden-haired youth. He insists Basil should display this masterpiece publicly, considering it his best work. However, Basil declines, stating the artwork has too much of his emotional investment to be exhibited. Upon further probing by Lord Henry, Basil hesitantly reveals the identity of his muse, Dorian Gray, whom he met at a soiree. Basil confesses his initial encounter with Dorian triggered a sense of terror, fearing his life was “on the verge of a terrible crisis.” However, Dorian soon became Basil's obsession, his muse, his sole driving force in art. Basil acknowledges his reluctance to show the portrait stems from the fear that it reveals his “curious artistic idolatry” for Dorian. The mention of Dorian’s name triggers Lord Henry's memory; his aunt, Lady Agatha, had spoken of Dorian's commitment to assist her in charity work. As Dorian arrives at the home, Lord Henry expresses his desire to meet him. Basil capitulates, albeit with reservation, and implores Lord Henry not to impose his cynical worldview on Dorian, who Basil describes as having a “simple and a beautiful nature”.
chapter 2
Dorian Gray turns out to be as good-looking as his painted image. Basil introduces Dorian to Lord Henry and Dorian pleads with him to stay for a chat while he models for Basil. Basil cautions Dorian about Lord Henry's bad influence, which piques Dorian's interest. Lord Henry agrees to stay and talks about his personal belief that "the highest of all duties [is] the duty that one owes to one’s self" while Basil completes the painting. Lord Henry takes Dorian to the garden to commend his beauty and youth, and reminds him of their fleeting nature. He encourages Dorian to fully experience life, always seeking "new sensations" and not settling for "common" or "vulgar" hobbies. Basil summons them back in, and Dorian poses for another 15 minutes until the painting is finished. The portrait is stunningly beautiful and declared by Lord Henry as "the finest portrait of modern times". Dorian, however, feels unhappy looking at it, thinking that it will remain youthful while he will age and lose his looks. He despairs at this thought, wishing "if it were only the other way". Basil tries to console Dorian, who rejects his comfort. Basil offers to destroy the painting to save their friendship, but Dorian stops him, claiming his love for the portrait. Basil then promises to gift it to him. Despite Basil's protests, Dorian plans to accompany Lord Henry to the theatre that night. They leave together, leaving the painting behind.
chapter 3
Following his initial encounter with Dorian Gray, Lord Henry drops by his uncle, Lord Fermor's residence. His uncle, a friendly but slightly coarse nobleman, shares Dorian's tragic family history when asked. He mentions Dorian's mother, a lady of nobility, who ran away with a destitute soldier, only for the soldier to be murdered by her father before Dorian's birth. The mother passed away soon after, leaving Dorian to be raised by a cruel guardian. Intrigued by this narrative, Lord Henry takes a keen interest in Dorian, relishing the idea of influencing such a "wonderful spirit." Subsequently, Lord Henry attends a dinner at his aunt, Lady Agatha's house, where various distinguished members of London's high society, including Dorian, are present. He shocks everyone by passionately advocating for selfishness and pleasure-seeking, while making fun of his aunt's charity work. He quips, "I can sympathize with everything, except suffering," suggesting life should be about appreciating beauty and indulgence rather than alleviating suffering. His views upset many guests, but his sharp wit and charisma win them over regardless. Dorian, especially captivated, decides to forgo his initial plans with Basil and accompanies Lord Henry instead.
chapter 4
A month on, Dorian is at Lord Henry's house where he chats about music with Victoria, Lord Henry's spouse, as he waits for him. Upon Lord Henry's arrival, Dorian is excited to inform him about his newfound love, Sibyl Vane. Sibyl is a Shakespearean actress he met in a low-budget London theater. Compelled by Lord Henry's counsel to "know everything about life," Dorian had visited a playhouse in the slums. Amidst his disdain for the venue and its proprietor, he was captivated by Sibyl Vane's performance, deeming her the best actress he'd ever seen. After multiple visits, the owner introduced Dorian to Sibyl Vane. Overwhelmed by Dorian's handsome appearance, she decided to call him "Prince Charming." Amused, Lord Henry agrees to see Sibyl's performance in Romeo and Juliet the following evening, with Basil joining them. Dorian also mentions that he received his portrait from Basil a few days ago. Once Dorian departs, Lord Henry ponders over his influence on the young man and the intrigue of human psychology. He dresses for dinner and returns home late to find a telegram from Dorian, announcing his engagement to Sibyl Vane.
chapter 5
In the Vane home, Sibyl Vane is ecstatic about her relationship with Dorian Gray. Her mother, Mrs. Vane, expresses mixed feelings, alternating between concern about Dorian's motives and hope that her daughter may benefit from his wealth. James, Sibyl’s brother, is skeptical about the relationship. As he prepares for a journey to Australia, he bids farewell and urges his mother to protect Sibyl. However, Mrs. Vane shrugs off his worries, asserting that wealthy admirers like Dorian Gray are commonplace for actresses and there's no harm in forming an alliance with them. James, annoyed by his mother's stance, goes for a walk with Sibyl. Instead of talking about Dorian, Sibyl excitedly discusses James' impending adventures in Australia. She fantasizes about him finding gold but soon decides that a peaceful life as a sheep farmer would suit him better. James can't help but feel uneasy about leaving Sibyl at this time. He is skeptical of Dorian’s motives and fears his mother may not be able to guard Sibyl. He finally talks to Sibyl about Dorian, advising her to be cautious of him. Sibyl, however, is overwhelmed with her newfound romance. As they sit and observe “the smart people go by”, Sibyl spots Dorian in a passing carriage. She tries to show him to James, but Dorian is gone before he can see him. Agitated, James vows that if Dorian hurts Sibyl, he won’t hesitate to kill him. Sibyl, on the other hand, professes her unconditional love for Dorian. Later that night, James questions his mother about her marital status with his father. Mrs. Vane admits she was never married to him, leading James to plead with her not to let Sibyl end up in a similar situation. Before leaving, he reiterates his promise to harm Dorian if Sibyl ever gets hurt by him.
chapter 6
During dinner, Lord Henry reveals Dorian's intent to marry Sibyl, which unsettles Basil due to the significant social disparity. However, Lord Henry remains indifferent, claiming his interest lies in observing Dorian's life unfold, irrespective of the consequences. He maintains that only a life without growth is truly ruined. Dorian arrives and recounts his engagement story, sparked by seeing Sibyl play the role of Rosalind in a Shakespearean play. Exhilarated, Dorian claims his love for Sibyl has made him realize the falseness of Lord Henry's theories advocating selfishness. Lord Henry refutes Dorian's argument, attributing the pursuit of pleasure to nature, not his influence. The trio then heads to a run-down theater to watch Sibyl's performance.
chapter 7
When the men reach the packed theatre, Dorian is effusive in his praise of Sibyl's beauty. Basil promises to back Dorian's potential marriage to Sibyl, recognizing Dorian's genuine love for her. However, Sibyl's acting during the play is disappointingly poor and worsens throughout the evening. Dorian is devastated by the unexpected change in his sweetheart's performance. After Basil and Lord Henry depart, Dorian goes backstage to find Sibyl, who seems content despite her dismal performance. Sibyl discloses that her acting skills have diminished because her true love for Dorian has eclipsed the faux emotions she once easily portrayed as an actress. She feels that her stage lines “the words I had to speak were unreal, were not my words, were not what I wanted to say," and decides to quit acting. This shocks Dorian who realizes his love was for her talent, not her. He harshly rejects her and declares he never wants to see her again. Dorian wanders the London streets all night and upon returning home, he notices a subtle smirk on his portrait. He remembers his previous wish for the portrait to age and show the effects of his lifestyle instead of him. He is filled with guilt thinking about his treatment of Sibyl. He decides to hide the portrait and plans to apologize to Sibyl the next day.
chapter 8
After sleeping late, Dorian Gray awakes and inspects his portrait, noticing a harsher edge to the face. As he grapples with this unsettling alteration, Lord Henry arrives, bringing news of Sibyl's suicide. Dorian is shocked, but Lord Henry persuades him to avoid confessing his role in her demise to the police. Instead, Dorian should see Sibyl's tragic death as an artistic expression of eternal love. Despite feeling more numb than grief-stricken, Dorian finds himself swayed by Lord Henry's arguments and agrees to accompany him to the opera that evening. Alone again, Dorian acknowledges this experience as pivotal in his life, deciding to embrace a life of endless youth, limitless passion, secret pleasures, and wild sins. He realizes his portrait, and not his body, will bear the signs of aging and experiences. Having made this decision, he goes off to the opera with Lord Henry.
chapter 9
When Basil visits Dorian to mourn Sibyl's death, Dorian brushes off the topic casually, echoing Lord Henry's words, "What is done is done. What is past is past." Basil is alarmed by Dorian's coldness and blames Lord Henry for such a transformation. Dorian, echoing Lord Henry's views, coldly states that Sibyl's death has now elevated her to the realm of art. Basil is asked by Dorian to sketch a picture of Sibyl for remembrance. Basil agrees and also tries to convince Dorian to pose for him back at his studio. Dorian declines and alarms Basil when he becomes visibly upset as Basil attempts to uncover the hidden portrait of Dorian. Dorian makes it clear he doesn’t want the portrait displayed publicly, threatening to sever ties with Basil if he insists on doing so. Dorian questions Basil's initial reluctance to display the portrait. Basil admits his initial concerns were due to his obsession with Dorian being revealed. He now believes that art "conceals the artist far more completely than it ever reveals him." Basil pleads once more for Dorian to sit for him, but Dorian refuses again. After Basil's exit, Dorian decides to keep his portrait hidden.
chapter 10
After Basil leaves, Dorian instructs Victor, his servant, to fetch two men from a nearby frame-shop. He also seeks Mrs. Leaf, his housekeeper's, assistance to unlock an abandoned schoolroom at the top of their home. Dorian shrouds the portrait with a fancy satin cover, contemplating that his immoral acts will ruin its aesthetics like worms spoil a dead body. The frame-shop men arrive and are ordered to relocate the painting to the schoolroom, where Dorian believes it will be shielded from unwanted attention. He thinks if no one witnesses his decay, it doesn't matter. After securing the room, he retreats to his office to read a novel sent by Lord Henry. The yellow book comes with a news article about Sibyl's death. Disgusted by the appalling news, Dorian delves into the book illustrating the story of a Parisian youth indulging in 'passions and modes of thought that belonged to every century except his own." Dorian is captivated by the book, finding it to be a 'poisonous book' blurring the lines between good and evil. Over dinner with Lord Henry that night, he finds the book intriguing. Is insincerity such a terrible thing? I think not. It is merely a method by which we can multiply our personalities.
chapter 11
Influenced by the "yellow book", Dorian's persona evolves. He purchases numerous versions of the first edition, each bound in varying hues catering to his ever-changing dispositions. Time flies, but Dorian remains youthful and attractive, despite whispers of his involvement in scandalous activities. Most dismiss these tales as his face exudes a clean image of "purity" and "innocence". The stark contrast between his physical beauty and his tainted spirit amuses Dorian. He expresses disdain for the human sacrifices made to "asceticism" and commits to a sensory exploration of life. Dorian's intellectual thirst leads him to explore various contemporary theories like mysticism, antinomianism, and Darwinism but ensures they don't interfere with his experiences. His pursuits include understanding the impact of perfumes on the psyche, studying music, jewelery, intricate embroideries, and tapestries. Dorian observes his aging reflection in the portrait, which at times horrifies and other times provides joy for the physical burdens he's been spared. He becomes protective of the painting, fearing theft, aware of the many who'd take pleasure in his ruin.
chapter 12
Just before reaching his thirty-eighth year, Dorian encounters Basil in the misty roads. He attempts to bypass him unnoticed, yet Basil recognizes him and follows him home. Before leaving for Paris for half a year, Basil warns Dorian about dreadful whispers concerning his behavior. He reminds Dorian the impossibility of "secret vices" and that wrongdoing “writes itself across a man’s face.” He questions why Dorian's acquaintances often suffer terrible fates; some had killed themselves while others suffered career or reputation damage. Basil reproaches Dorian for his ill influence and encourages him to leverage his power for good. He questions whether he truly knows Dorian and wishes to see his soul. Dorian, chuckling cynically, tells the painter he'll grant his desire. He vows to reveal his soul, a sight some think only God can witness. Basil criticizes Dorian’s declaration as sacrilegious and pleads with Dorian to refute the horrendous accusations against him. Dorian amiably proposes to present Basil with the record of his life, assuring it will clarify all his queries.
chapter 13
Dorian guides Basil to the secluded room where his portrait resides. Unveiling the canvas, Basil is appalled at the grotesque transformation of the once beautiful painting, but recognises his own handiwork. Dorian looks on, a triumphant glint in his eye. Struggling to comprehend the metamorphosis, Basil listens as Dorian recounts his fateful encounter with Lord Henry, where a lust for perennial youth led him to trade his soul. Basil deems the repulsive portrait a severe warning, punishment for his excessive adoration of Dorian's youth. Despite Basil's pleas for Dorian to repent, Dorian insists it's too late. Overwhelmed by revulsion at the sight of his portrait, Dorian violently kills Basil. Ensuring that the murder has gone unnoticed, he sequesters Basil's possessions and quietly leaves the house. Soon after, he returns, rouses his servant, and feigns regret at having missed Basil's visit, thereby establishing a false alibi.
chapter 14
Dorian awakes, his sleep untroubled, but his hatred for Basil resurfaces as he recalls the previous night's events. He chooses to ignore these feelings to avoid falling into madness. He calls upon Alan Campbell, an estranged old friend and scientist, after eating breakfast. As Dorian waits for Campbell, he gets lost in a poetry book and muses on their past close relationship. He also sketches, comparing his art to Basil's. His relief is palpable when Campbell finally appears. Despite his reluctance, Campbell arrives in response to Dorian's life and death emergency. Dorian reveals the presence of a dead man in his house, but avoids details about the death. He requests Campbell's aid to dissolve the body, but Campbell rejects the idea. In response, Dorian confesses his crime, but Campbell still refuses to help. Dorian resorts to blackmail, forcing Campbell to comply by threatening to expose a damaging secret. Campbell sends his servant to fetch the necessary tools, and Dorian retreats upstairs to shield his portrait, noting a blood-like substance dripping from one painted hand. Campbell works until nightfall and departs, leaving behind a room filled with the scent of nitric acid and devoid of a body.
chapter 15
Dorian attends a dinner party that evening, capturing the attention of uninterested noblewomen. He relishes the thrill of leading a secret life. The event is hosted by Lady Narborough, who shares her daughter's dreary rural existence, a place untouched by scandal since Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Dorian's interest in the event spikes upon knowing that Lord Henry will show up. At dinner, and after Lord Henry's arrival, Dorian loses his appetite. Lord Henry questions him, while Lady Narborough concludes that Dorian must be in love, a notion he refutes. The attendees engage in playful banter about marriage before the women depart, leaving the men to converse about "politics and scandal." Lord Henry and Dorian make plans for an upcoming party at Dorian's countryside property. When Lord Henry nonchalantly inquires about Dorian's activities the previous night, Dorian's composure wavers, leading him to respond abruptly and defensively. Instead of joining the women, he chooses to head home early. Back at his residence, Dorian collects Basil’s items from a hidden wall compartment and destroys them. He retrieves a canister of opium from a decorative cabinet. At midnight, disguised in plain attire, he hires a carriage to the heart of London, the hub of the city's opium dens.
chapter 16
While traveling towards the opium dens, Dorian reflects on the philosophy of Lord Henry: “To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.” Resolving to forget his sins if unable to receive forgiveness, Dorian sees solace in the oblivion promised by the dens. On reaching, he leaves the coach and enters the grimy den where he encounters Adrian Singleton, a young man rumored to have been led astray by Dorian. Preparing to depart, a woman refers to him as “the devil’s bargain” and “Prince Charming.” A sailor, hearing this, chases after Dorian. Walking away, Dorian contemplates whether he should feel remorse for adversely affecting Adrian's life. His introspection is interrupted when he is ambushed and held at gunpoint by James Vane, Sibyl’s brother. James has been stalking Dorian with the intent of avenging his sister's death. Unaware of Dorian's actual name, he identifies him as “Prince Charming,” who he believes wronged his sister. Contrarily, Dorian argues that the man James is after was Sibyl's lover eighteen years ago and since he, Dorian, looks just twenty, he can't be the same man. James lets him go and returns to the den, where the old woman reveals that Dorian has been a regular for eighteen years without showing any signs of aging. Enraged at losing Dorian, James pledges to pursue him once more.
chapter 17
A week on, Dorian hosts a gathering at his Selby property. He converses with Lord Henry, the Duchess of Monmouth and her spouse about the significance and essence of beauty. Lord Henry is criticized by the duchess for overemphasizing the importance of beauty. When the topic shifts to love, Lord Henry argues that love, like existence, relies on reliving a crucial experience continuously. Dorian concurs and withdraws from their presence. The duchess is reprimanded by Lord Henry for her coquettish behavior. Suddenly, a moan from the far end of the conservatory startles them. They rush over only to discover Dorian has fainted. During dinner, Dorian is periodically filled with fear as he remembers seeing James Vane's face at the conservatory window before he passed out.
chapter 18
Overwhelmed by fear of James Vane, Dorian Gray remains indoors, haunted by the sight of James's face. He even questions if it's a hallucination caused by his guilty conscience. This thought frightens him further, making him doubt if he can find peace. Three days after seeing James, Dorian leaves his house. As he walks around his property, he feels revived. He realizes the fear that had previously paralyzed him is out of character. Dorian has breakfast with the duchess, then joins a hunting party. Captivated by a hare, Dorian pleads with his friends not to shoot it. Regardless, one companion fires and a man's scream soon follows. The men find a man in the shrubbery who was mistakenly shot and died on spot. Dorian tells Lord Henry he fears this is a "bad omen", but Henry dismisses these concerns, assuring him that fate doesn't send omens. Trying to lighten up, Lord Henry teases Dorian about his relationship with the duchess. Dorian insists there's nothing scandalous and sadly says, “I wish I could love.” He mourns his self-absorption, which keeps him from loving anyone else. Dorian considers escaping on a yacht for safety. Meeting the duchess, Dorian leaves Henry with her and goes to his room. There, he learns from the head keeper about the man who was shot. Assuming he was a servant, Dorian offers to support his family. The head keeper reveals the man's identity is unknown but he was a sailor. Dorian insists on seeing him. Upon identifying the body as James Vane, Dorian bursts into tears with a sense of relief.
chapter 19
Weeks later, Dorian Gray confides in Lord Henry about his desire to become a better person. He recounts an experience in the countryside where he resisted the opportunity to lead astray an innocent girl. However, Lord Henry dismisses Dorian’s ambition to change. They discuss recent events like Alan Campbell's suicide and Basil Hallward's unexplained absence. Dorian hypothesizes about Basil's potential murder, but Lord Henry dismisses it, citing Basil’s lack of enemies. Even Dorian's shocking hypothetical confession of murdering Basil is treated as a joke by Lord Henry. Their talk shifts from Basil. Lord Henry quotes a line about gaining the world but losing one's soul and Dorian reacts uneasily. Lord Henry reveals he heard it from a street preacher and ridicules the man. Dorian however, fervently believes in the soul's existence. Lord Henry is amused, expressing curiosity about Dorian's perpetual youthfulness. He praises Dorian’s extraordinary life and urges him not to ruin it by pursuing virtue. Dorian earnestly asks him not to share the “yellow book” with anyone else, blaming it for his own moral decay. Lord Henry brushes off his concern, asserting that art doesn’t influence behavior and that so-called immoral books merely reflect society's disgrace. Before parting, he asks Dorian to visit him the next day.
chapter 20
Dorian approaches his hidden portrait that night, hoping his recent decision to lead a better life will alter its appearance. Particularly, he thinks his choice to protect the innkeeper's daughter's good name might be seen in the painting. Yet, he finds no changes in the portrait, except that "in the eyes there was a look of cunning, and in the mouth the curved wrinkle of the hypocrite." This makes Dorian realize that his efforts to behave virtuously were merely pretenses, inadequate attempts to lessen the gravity of his past actions. Outraged, he grabs a knife, the same one he used to murder Basil, and stabs the portrait in an effort to destroy it. A loud noise and a cry from the room alert Dorian's servants. They rush into the room to find the untouched portrait, depicting Dorian Gray in his youthful splendor. Meanwhile, they find an old, grotesquely aged man lying on the floor with a knife lodged in his heart. Only after inspecting the rings on the elderly man's hand do they realize the deceased is Dorian Gray.
