The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 6

 Lord Henry and Basil are dining, and when Lord Henry informs him of Dorian’s plan to marry, Basil is shocked. Basil is concerned that Dorian plans to marry beneath his status, amazed that Dorian might do such a foolish thing. Lord Henry expresses indifference, saying that he concerns himself with nothing more than observing. He is not concerned for Dorian’s welfare. 

The two men are joined by Dorian, who excitedly relates how in love he is, but it appears that Dorian is in love with the characters that she plays, but not so much Sibyl herself. When Lord Henry suggests that perhaps she is simply seeking Dorian’s wealth and status, Dorian defiantly argues that such is not the case, and adds that he, Dorian, now regrets ever having listened to any of the poor advice Lord Henry had given him, regarding living Hedonistically. Lord Henry makes Dorian admit that it was Sybil who had brought up the discussion of marriage and that Dorian had never truly proposed to her directly. The reader learns about the kiss Sybil and Dorian had shared and his belief that Sybil hadn’t yet informed her mother about him.

Later, the three men depart for the theater, with Dorian and Lord Henry in one carriage, and Basil in another. Basil is deeply concerned that Dorian will be changed forever, and that their relationship has been damaged. 

Analysis

Interestingly, we see a number of parallels here among these three men that are similar to traditional behavior only accepted in male/ female relationships in the Victorian era. Here we see jealousy and competition between Lord Henry and Basil, and even lovesickness as a “brokenhearted” Basil sees Dorian slipping away from him.