Chapter 1 Overview
In the opening chapter of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the stage is set with the
introduction of key characters and themes.
The Characters
Lord Henry Wotton: A sharp-witted, in uential gure who serves as a
commentator on society and beauty.
Basil Hallward: An artist of great talent, deeply affected by Dorian Gray, whom
he paints.
Dorian Gray: A strikingly beautiful young man, who is the subject of Basil's
portrait and the object of admiration.
The Setting
The chapter primarily takes place in Basil Hallward's studio, where he is working on a
portrait of Dorian Gray. The mention of London's Grosvenor Gallery hints at the art
world's signi cance in the novel.
Key Themes
Art and Beauty: The pursuit and admiration of beauty, particularly male beauty,
is a central theme.
In uence: Lord Henry's potential in uence on Dorian is a point of concern for
Basil.
Appearance vs. Reality: The tension between how things appear and their true
nature is introduced.
Art vs. Life: The relationship and con ict between art and real life is explored.
Conversation & Witticisms
The dialogue between Basil and Henry is lled with Oscar Wilde's characteristic wit
and clever observations on art, marriage, and character.
Page 1
,Dorian's Absence and Presence
Although Dorian does not physically appear in Chapter 1, his presence is strongly felt
through the discussion of his beauty and Basil's emotional attachment to him.
Basil's Request
Basil implores Henry not to corrupt or unduly in uence Dorian, foreshadowing
potential con icts.
Vivid Descriptions
The importance of the senses is emphasized through vivid descriptions of sights and
perceptions.
All-Male Environment
The novel's setting is dominated by men, highlighting the focus on male beauty and
relationships.
Basil and Henry Contrasted
Feature Basil Hallward Lord Henry Wotton
Relationship to Deeply connected to his art, Acts as a critic and
Art emotionally invested commentator
Expression More open and expressive Stylized and dandyish
Art as Paramount
The chapter positions the art inspired by Dorian as more signi cant than Dorian
himself, building on Wilde's preface.
Setting the Stage
Page 2
,The themes and character dynamics established in Chapter 1 set the stage for the
unfolding plot and Dorian's character development.
Page 3
, Chapter 2 Analysis
Initial Interactions
In Chapter 2, Henry and Basil enter the studio and Henry and Dorian talk about aunt
Agatha.
Henry agrees with Basil that Dorian is intensely beautiful.
Dorian asks Henry if he's a bad in uence.
Lord Henry's Philosophy
Henry responds to Dorian at length, explaining that all in uence is immoral. He
claims that the purpose of human life is for individuals to express their thoughts and
passions. His philosophical ideal is a life that's completely self-centered yet so
beautiful it gives joy to everyone else.
Dorian's Introspection
Dorian hints and asks Henry to stop talking, then thinks about what he's just heard
for 10 minutes without speaking.
Basil paints, not noticing Dorian's introspection. When he speaks again, Dorian calls
for a break and goes into the garden.
Henry follows him, praising Dorian for smelling the owers, telling him that the
senses can cure the soul.
Henry also urges Dorian to move into the shade so he doesn't ruin his beauty, and
launches into a speech about the meaning of beauty itself.
They return to the studio, Basil nishes the portrait, and Henry admires it.
The Wish
Page 1
In the opening chapter of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the stage is set with the
introduction of key characters and themes.
The Characters
Lord Henry Wotton: A sharp-witted, in uential gure who serves as a
commentator on society and beauty.
Basil Hallward: An artist of great talent, deeply affected by Dorian Gray, whom
he paints.
Dorian Gray: A strikingly beautiful young man, who is the subject of Basil's
portrait and the object of admiration.
The Setting
The chapter primarily takes place in Basil Hallward's studio, where he is working on a
portrait of Dorian Gray. The mention of London's Grosvenor Gallery hints at the art
world's signi cance in the novel.
Key Themes
Art and Beauty: The pursuit and admiration of beauty, particularly male beauty,
is a central theme.
In uence: Lord Henry's potential in uence on Dorian is a point of concern for
Basil.
Appearance vs. Reality: The tension between how things appear and their true
nature is introduced.
Art vs. Life: The relationship and con ict between art and real life is explored.
Conversation & Witticisms
The dialogue between Basil and Henry is lled with Oscar Wilde's characteristic wit
and clever observations on art, marriage, and character.
Page 1
,Dorian's Absence and Presence
Although Dorian does not physically appear in Chapter 1, his presence is strongly felt
through the discussion of his beauty and Basil's emotional attachment to him.
Basil's Request
Basil implores Henry not to corrupt or unduly in uence Dorian, foreshadowing
potential con icts.
Vivid Descriptions
The importance of the senses is emphasized through vivid descriptions of sights and
perceptions.
All-Male Environment
The novel's setting is dominated by men, highlighting the focus on male beauty and
relationships.
Basil and Henry Contrasted
Feature Basil Hallward Lord Henry Wotton
Relationship to Deeply connected to his art, Acts as a critic and
Art emotionally invested commentator
Expression More open and expressive Stylized and dandyish
Art as Paramount
The chapter positions the art inspired by Dorian as more signi cant than Dorian
himself, building on Wilde's preface.
Setting the Stage
Page 2
,The themes and character dynamics established in Chapter 1 set the stage for the
unfolding plot and Dorian's character development.
Page 3
, Chapter 2 Analysis
Initial Interactions
In Chapter 2, Henry and Basil enter the studio and Henry and Dorian talk about aunt
Agatha.
Henry agrees with Basil that Dorian is intensely beautiful.
Dorian asks Henry if he's a bad in uence.
Lord Henry's Philosophy
Henry responds to Dorian at length, explaining that all in uence is immoral. He
claims that the purpose of human life is for individuals to express their thoughts and
passions. His philosophical ideal is a life that's completely self-centered yet so
beautiful it gives joy to everyone else.
Dorian's Introspection
Dorian hints and asks Henry to stop talking, then thinks about what he's just heard
for 10 minutes without speaking.
Basil paints, not noticing Dorian's introspection. When he speaks again, Dorian calls
for a break and goes into the garden.
Henry follows him, praising Dorian for smelling the owers, telling him that the
senses can cure the soul.
Henry also urges Dorian to move into the shade so he doesn't ruin his beauty, and
launches into a speech about the meaning of beauty itself.
They return to the studio, Basil nishes the portrait, and Henry admires it.
The Wish
Page 1
