← The Picture of Dorian Gray

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Chapter companions for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

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  1. Chapter 1

    The Picture of Dorian Gray

    The novel introduces Dorian Gray, a beautiful young man, whose portrait is painted by Basil Hallward. Under the influence of Lord Henry Wotton's hedonistic philosophy, Dorian wishes that the portrait would age instead of him, setting the stage for his moral decline.

  2. Chapter 2

    I

    Basil Hallward reveals to Lord Henry Wotton his deep artistic obsession with Dorian Gray, explaining that the portrait he has painted contains too much of his own soul to exhibit. Lord Henry, intrigued, insists on meeting Dorian, and Basil reluctantly reveals his name.

  3. Chapter 3

    Chapter II

    Dorian Gray sees his completed portrait for the first time and becomes acutely aware of his own beauty. Influenced by Lord Henry's hedonistic philosophy, he is struck by the tragedy of aging and wishes the portrait would age instead of him. Lord Henry continues to expound his views on influence, self-development, and a new Hedonism, deeply unsettling and fascinating Dorian.

  4. Chapter 4

    Chapter III

    Lord Henry learns the tragic backstory of Dorian Gray's parentage from his uncle, Lord Fermor, and becomes increasingly fascinated with the idea of influencing the young man. He attends a lunch party at his aunt's, where he captivates the guests with his hedonistic philosophy, and Dorian, spellbound, chooses to accompany him instead of visiting Basil Hallward.

  5. Chapter 5

    IV

    A month after the portrait is painted, Dorian Gray visits Lord Henry's home, where he meets Lady Henry and discusses his passionate love for the actress Sibyl Vane. Lord Henry observes Dorian's transformation from a shy boy into a self-conscious, ardent young man, and agrees to attend Sibyl's performance with Basil Hallward.

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  1. Chapter 6Chapter V
  2. Chapter 7Chapter VI
  3. Chapter 8VII
  4. Chapter 9Chapter VIII
  5. Chapter 10Chapter IX
  6. Chapter 11The Hiding of the Portrait
  7. Chapter 12Chapter XI
  8. Chapter 13XII
  9. Chapter 14Chapter XIII
  10. Chapter 15XIV
  11. Chapter 16Chapter XV
  12. Chapter 17Chapter XVI
  13. Chapter 18Chapter XVII
  14. Chapter 19XVIII
  15. Chapter 20Chapter XIX
  16. Chapter 21Chapter XX