The Romantic Triangle: Basil, Dorian, and Lord Henry

The emotional entanglement where Basil loves Dorian, Dorian is fascinated by Lord Henry, and Lord Henry uses Dorian as an experiment.

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Basil's Idolatry

Basil's Idolatry The Devoted Artist Basil loves Dorian with a romantic, almost worshipful devotion. He puts all his artistic passion into Dorian's portrait. He is jealous of anyone who gets close to Dorian. The Unrequited Nature Basil's love is never returned in kind. Dorian likes Basil but is not moved by his passion. The imbalance sets the stage for tragedy.

Dorian's Captivation by Lord Henry

Dorian's Captivation by Lord Henry The Magnetic Influence Dorian is immediately drawn to Lord Henry's charm, wit, and dangerous ideas. He feels that Lord Henry has revealed life's mysteries to him. Basil's warnings go unheeded. The Shift of Allegiance Dorian quickly transfers his allegiance from Basil to Lord Henry. He begins to see Basil as dull and conventional. The triangle is formed.

Lord Henry's Experimental Interest

Lord Henry's Experimental Interest The Vivisector Lord Henry sees Dorian as a psychological experiment. He watches Dorian's moral development with scientific curiosity. He does not love Dorian but is fascinated by him. The Cold Manipulation Lord Henry's influence is deliberate. He sends the yellow book, encourages Dorian's hedonism, and dismisses his guilt. He treats Dorian as a work of art he is shaping.

Basil's Confession to Dorian

Basil's Confession to Dorian The Revealed Love Basil tells Dorian that he worshipped him with 'far more romance of feeling than a man usually gives to a friend.' This confession makes Dorian pity him but also feel superior. The End of the Friendship After the confession, Basil's power over Dorian is gone. Dorian uses the secret to avoid Basil's questions. The emotional triangle is broken when Dorian murders Basil.

The Aftermath of Basil's Death

The Aftermath of Basil's Death Dorian's Detachment Dorian feels no remorse for murdering Basil. He thinks of Basil as 'the painter of the fatal portrait.' The emotional bond is severed by violence. Lord Henry's Indifference Lord Henry dismisses Basil's disappearance as boring. He never suspects Dorian. The triangle is replaced by a lonely duo: Dorian and Lord Henry, but even that friendship is hollow.

From the first meeting onward

First meeting, Chapter II

Throughout the novel

Chapter VII

After the murder, Chapter XIII