Contents
CHAPTER VIII
Overview
Dorian secretly relocates his altered portrait to a locked childhood schoolroom, severing it from all eyes but his own. An inquest labels Sibyl Vane’s death misadventure. Lord Henry sends a decadent yellow book that captivates Dorian, deepening his surrender to aesthetic temptation and shaping his future corruption.
Summary
Dorian, wary of his valet Victor discovering the secret behind a screen, summons Mrs. Leaf to obtain the key to an old, disused schoolroom at the top of the house. He selects a sumptuous Venetian pall to conceal the portrait and arranges for Mr. Ashton, a frame-maker, to move it.
While waiting, Dorian reflects that Basil might have saved him from Lord Henry’s influence, yet decides it is too late. He shudders at the portrait’s cruel, altered expression and covers it. Ashton and his assistant carry the veiled painting upstairs, where Dorian has it left against a wall before locking the room and pocketing the key.
Back in the library, Dorian receives Lord Henry’s note, the evening paper, and a yellow-covered book. A marked inquest report declares Sibyl Vane’s death misadventure, which annoys Dorian for its ugly realism and potential to alert Victor. He reassures himself he did not kill her.
Dorian opens the yellow book and is entranced by its decadent, plotless study of a young Parisian pursuing historical modes of passion. Its ornate, intoxicating prose induces a reverie that absorbs him until evening. He finally dresses and, arriving late at the club, tells Lord Henry the book fascinated rather than pleased him; they go in to dinner.
Who Appears
- Dorian GrayProtagonist; hides the portrait in a locked schoolroom, fears discovery, reads the inquest, and is enthralled by a decadent book.
- VictorDorian’s valet; potentially prying, prompting Dorian’s haste and suspicion while moving the portrait.
- Mrs. LeafHousekeeper; gives Dorian the key to the old schoolroom and reminisces about his childhood.
- Mr. AshtonFrame-maker; personally helps move the veiled portrait to the top room.
- Assistant to Mr. AshtonRough young helper; aids in carrying the portrait upstairs, awed by Dorian.
- Lord Henry WottonSends the yellow book and evening paper; later dines with Dorian, noting the book’s allure.