Basil Hallward's Devotion and Downfall

Basil Hallward's romantic friendship with Dorian Gray leads to his artistic inspiration and ultimately his murder at Dorian's hands.

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Meeting at Lady Brandon's

Meeting at Lady Brandon's The Fateful Encounter Basil Hallward meets Dorian Gray at a crush. He is immediately overwhelmed by Dorian's beauty and personality, feeling that his entire artistic soul is at risk. He tries to leave but is forced into an introduction. The Beginning of Idolatry Basil sees Dorian as the key to a new artistic style. He begins painting the portrait that will become both his masterpiece and his doom. Their friendship deepens rapidly.

The Portrait Finished

The Portrait Finished The Masterpiece Basil completes the portrait of Dorian Gray, feeling that it contains the secret of his own soul. He resolves not to exhibit it because he has put too much of himself into it. The Warning Ignored Basil's fear that the portrait reveals his romantic devotion proves prophetic. The painting becomes a supernatural object that will destroy both men. Lord Henry's presence at the sitting sets the tragedy in motion.

Confrontation about Sibyl

Confrontation about Sibyl The Accusation Basil visits Dorian to offer sympathy, but finds Dorian indifferent and dismissive. Basil is horrified by Dorian's callousness and blames Lord Henry's influence. He senses that something fundamental has changed in his friend. The First Crack Basil's love for Dorian is strained. He sees the emerging cruelty but cannot yet believe the worst. This confrontation is the first step toward the final rupture.

The Confession of Idolatry

The Confession of Idolatry The Secret Revealed When Basil presses to see the portrait, Dorian demands to know why Basil refused to exhibit it. Basil painfully confesses that he worshipped Dorian with a romantic passion, putting his soul into the picture. This confession gives Dorian power over Basil. The Turning Point Dorian, who had been terrified of discovery, now feels a contemptuous pity. He uses the confession to deflect Basil's questions about the portrait's change. The imbalance of power grows.

Murder in the Locked Room

Murder in the Locked Room The Final Visit Basil arrives at Dorian's house before catching the midnight train to Paris. He confronts Dorian with the terrible rumors about his life. In a fit of rage and desperation, Dorian shows Basil the corrupted portrait. The Killing Basil is horrified and urges Dorian to repent. Dorian, feeling an uncontrollable hatred, stabs Basil to death. The murder is the culmination of their twisted relationship. Dorian then blackmails Alan Campbell to dispose of the body.

Two months before Chapter I

Chapter II, during the sitting

Morning after Sibyl's death, Chapter VII

Later that same day, Chapter VII

On the night of November 7, Chapter XI