Contents
CHAPTER I
Overview
In Basil Hallward’s garden and studio, Lord Henry praises a remarkable portrait of Dorian Gray and urges Basil to exhibit it. Basil refuses, confessing that Dorian’s personality has transformed his art and revealed his soul. Fearing Lord Henry’s corrupting influence, Basil tries to keep them apart. Dorian unexpectedly arrives.
Summary
In Basil Hallward’s fragrant studio, Lord Henry Wotton admires a full-length portrait of an extraordinarily beautiful young man, urging Basil to exhibit it at the Grosvenor. Basil refuses, insisting he has put too much of himself into the work and cannot bear public scrutiny of his soul.
As they move into the garden, Lord Henry presses for the real reason. Basil recounts first seeing Dorian Gray at Lady Brandon’s gathering and feeling an immediate, overwhelming fear that Dorian’s personality would absorb his life and art. Despite trying to flee, Basil met Dorian and formed an intense attachment, which has since transformed his artistic vision.
Lord Henry responds with witty cynicism about beauty, intellect, and relationships, while Basil explains that Dorian is now the motive and muse for his best work. Basil insists he will not exhibit the portrait because its hidden romance would be legible to the world. He admits Dorian likes him but can be thoughtless, and that Basil flatters him and has given too much of himself.
Lord Henry predicts Basil will tire of Dorian, arguing that genius outlasts beauty. Basil rejects this, declaring Dorian’s personality will always dominate him. Lord Henry recalls hearing of Dorian from his philanthropic aunt, Lady Agatha, and grows eager to meet him.
When the butler announces Dorian Gray is in the studio, Basil, anxious, begs Lord Henry not to influence Dorian, fearing his harmful charm. Lord Henry dismisses the warning, and together they reenter the house to meet Dorian.
Who Appears
- Basil HallwardArtist who painted Dorian’s portrait; refuses to exhibit it; confesses Dorian’s overwhelming influence on his art and soul.
- Lord Henry WottonCynical aristocrat; praises the portrait, probes Basil’s secret, and insists on meeting Dorian despite Basil’s warnings.
- Dorian GrayThe subject of the portrait; unseen until announced in the studio; his beauty and personality dominate Basil’s art.
- Lady BrandonSociety hostess at whose gathering Basil first met Dorian; catalyst for their introduction.
- Lady AgathaLord Henry’s aunt; mentions Dorian’s charitable work, prompting Henry’s interest.