The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 9
The following day, Basil visits Dorian to offer his condolences regarding Sibyl’s death. To Basil’s great concern, Dorian appears flippant and unconcerned. Basil had heard but he hadn’t believed that Dorian had attended the opera the night before, and his suspicions that Lord Henry had turned Dorian into a selfish, uncaring person are confirmed by Dorian’s indifference. Even Dorian’s description of the event uses words and phrases that sound like Lord Henry. Dorian does not even care about how Sybil’s mother is doing.
Dorian’s position is that Sibyl’s suicide has elevated her status to a form of art. When Basil questions Dorian about how he could attend the opera with so little concern, Dorian replies that a man with self-control can just as easily avoid grieving as he can whimsically find pleasure. He continues, saying that he owes a great deal to Lord Henry, unlike Basil, who Dorian says only taught him to be vain. Basil replies, “Well, I am punished for that, Dorian—or shall be some day.”
When Basil expresses his horror that Sibyl’s death was a suicide, Dorian tells him that he (Basil) might be a better person than Lord Henry, but that he is afraid of life.
Dorian requests that Basil create a drawing of Sibyl, which Basil agrees to try. Basil asks Dorian to please sit for another portrait, but Dorian refuses. Basil then asks to see the previously done portrait, saying that he’d like to place it in an exhibit. Dorian is horrified at the prospect, fearing that doing so would reveal his secret to all. He asks Basil why he’s changed his mind about displaying the picture, and Basil responds that before he’d worried that doing so would reveal the artist’s true feelings for Dorian. Later, however, he’d come to believe that art actually conceals the artist more than it reveals him. Dorian successfully dissuades Basil from exhibiting the portrait, though. Dorian then smugly considers how he has successfully kept his secret, and in fact, got Basil to reveal a secret to him. His resolve to keep the picture hidden from others forever is strengthened.
Analysis
Dorian ironically claims that Basil is “too afraid of life,” when it is clear that Dorian is the one in fear, the fear of having his secret curse revealed.
Dorian further proves that his new philosophy of life is that of utter selfishness. He enjoys Lord Henry’s companionship, and he is glad for the things that Basil can do for him, but Dorian’s one true love is himself. Dorian enjoys Basil’s admiration, as this feeds Dorian’s ego. However, he rejects the advice and counsel of Basil, who does not want to see Dorian corrupted, as it no longer fits his goals. Dorian prefers to follow the advice of Lord Henry, who has led him down a path of selfishness.
Also noted are a couple of examples of foreshadowing. Sibyl’s brother is mentioned, a hint that we are likely to see him again. When Dorian states that in a time of trouble, he would turn to Basil, one can expect that (A) a time of trouble is ahead, and (B) Basil will be involved.
