The Dispute Over Artistic Integrity

The conflict between Basil's view of art as pure creation and Dorian's use of art as a reflection of life and sin.

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Basil Refuses to Exhibit

Basil Refuses to Exhibit The Secret of the Portrait Basil refuses to send the portrait to the Grosvenor because he has put too much of himself into it. He believes the painting reveals his soul. This starts the conflict over the meaning of the portrait. Lord Henry's Challenge Lord Henry mocks Basil's scruples, saying art is not autobiography. He argues that the portrait should be shown. The disagreement reflects different artistic philosophies.

Dorian's Possession of the Portrait

Dorian's Possession of the Portrait The Gift Basil gives the portrait to Dorian. Dorian now owns the work of art. He treats it as a personal object, not a public masterpiece. The conflict over its fate begins. The Desire to Hide Dorian immediately wants to hide the portrait because of its magical change. He lies to Basil about why it must be covered. The art object becomes a secret.

The Plan to Exhibit

The Plan to Exhibit Basil's Change of Mind Basil decides to exhibit the portrait in Paris. He believes it is his best work and should be seen. He tells Dorian, who is terrified. The conflict over the portrait's exposure comes to a head. Dorian's Desperate Refusal Dorian forbids the exhibition, threatening to end their friendship. He cannot allow the world to see the changed portrait. The conflict is resolved when Dorian reveals Basil's confession and uses it to manipulate him.

The Portrait Revealed to Basil

The Portrait Revealed to Basil The Shocking Sight Dorian shows Basil the corrupted portrait. Basil is horrified and recognizes it as his own work. The portrait is now a 'foul parody.' The artistic ideal is shattered. The Moral Lesson Basil sees that the portrait is a visible record of sin. He urges Dorian to repent. The conflict between art and life is resolved in the most tragic way: the art object has become a moral witness.

The Destruction of the Artwork

The Destruction of the Artwork The Final Sacrifice Dorian destroys the portrait to destroy the evidence. The artwork is torn, but it is restored to its original beauty. The act of destruction kills the artist's subject (Dorian) and ends the conflict. The Immortality of Art Despite the destruction, the portrait survives in its ideal form. The novel suggests that true art is eternal, while the life that tries to imitate it is perishable. The conflict ends with art's triumph.

Chapter I

After the portrait is finished, Chapter II

Chapter VII, before the murder

The night of the murder, Chapter XI

Dorian's death, Chapter XIII