Contents
CHAPTER XII
Overview
Dorian wakes after murdering Basil and struggles to suppress guilt. He summons former friend Alan Campbell to destroy the body and, after refusal, coerces him with blackmail. While Campbell works for hours, Dorian hides the portrait, noticing new bloody marks. Campbell completes the disposal and ends all association with Dorian.
Summary
At dawn after Basil Hallward’s murder, Dorian Gray awakens serenely, then the previous night’s crime returns to him with revulsion. Determined to avoid panic and evidence, he dresses meticulously, attends to letters, and dispatches a note summoning Alan Campbell, a former intimate now estranged.
When Alan arrives, Dorian reveals there is a dead man in a locked upstairs room and demands that Alan use his scientific expertise to destroy the body without trace. Alan refuses, denouncing Dorian’s corruption and refusing to risk his reputation.
Pressed, Dorian first calls it a suicide, then confesses murder. Still rebuffed, he writes a note that contains a damning secret about Alan and presents a prepared letter of exposure. Blackmailed and crushed, Alan yields and lists the equipment he needs; Dorian’s valet is sent to fetch chemicals and apparatus.
To provide privacy, Dorian sends the valet away on an orchid errand. Dorian and Alan carry the equipment upstairs. Before leaving, Dorian throws the curtain over the portrait, horrified to see fresh, blood-like dew on its painted hand. Alan locks himself in with the body to begin the grisly work.
After five hours, Alan returns pale but composed, declares the task done, and severs all ties with Dorian. Dorian thanks him and, upon inspecting the room, finds only the stench of chemicals—the body has been completely destroyed.
Who Appears
- Dorian GrayCalmly manages the aftermath of Basil’s murder, blackmails Alan Campbell to destroy the body, and hides his increasingly stained portrait.
- Alan CampbellFormer friend and scientist; initially refuses to help, then yields under blackmail and chemically disposes of Basil’s body, severing ties.
- FrancisDorian’s valet; delivers messages and retrieves laboratory equipment before being sent away to ensure privacy.
- Basil HallwardMurder victim; his corpse is hidden upstairs and ultimately destroyed by Alan Campbell.