Chapter 12 analysis of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Summary

In this video lesson, viewers delve into Chapter 12 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' where Dorian encounters Basil, who is troubled by rumors of Dorian's tarnished reputation. Despite Dorian's reluctance to engage, Basil confronts him about his questionable actions and their impact on others. As the tension escalates, Dorian, driven by a mix of anger and a twisted sense of joy, decides to reveal his secret to Basil, leading to a suspenseful cliffhanger that leaves viewers eager to discover the consequences of this fateful decision.

Takeaways

• 📚 The lesson focuses on Chapter 12 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', where Dorian encounters Basil before his departure to Paris.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Basil confronts Dorian about the rumors of his questionable reputation, which he has heard and is deeply concerned about.
• 🏚 Dorian feels a strange sense of fear upon seeing Basil, indicating a possible guilty conscience or foreknowledge of Basil's intentions.
• 🧳 Basil's plan to leave for Paris is revealed, which later helps Dorian create an alibi for the events following Basil's murder.
• 🛋️ Dorian feigns indifference when Basil wants to discuss serious matters, suggesting a desire to avoid confronting his actions.
• 🗣️ Basil emphasizes the importance of one's good name, challenging Dorian's disregard for the rumors circulating about him.
• 😈 Dorian's denial of the rumors is met with skepticism from Basil, who believes sin is visible on a person's face and actions.
• 👥 The discussion touches on Dorian's negative influence on others, including the Duke of Berwick and various young men who have met unfortunate ends.
• 🤔 Dorian deflects blame, arguing that he cannot control the actions of others and that rumors are the product of hypocrisy.
• 😠 Basil's judgment of Dorian by the company he keeps and the outcomes of those relationships angers Dorian, escalating the tension.
• 🔮 The chapter ends on a cliffhanger with Dorian deciding to show Basil his 'diary of life', a decision fraught with potential consequences.

Q & A

What is the main event that occurs in Chapter 12 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'?

In Chapter 12, Dorian Gray encounters Basil, who confronts him about his questionable reputation and the rumors surrounding his name.

Why does Basil feel the need to confront Dorian before leaving for Paris?

Basil confronts Dorian because he is concerned about the rumors he has heard regarding Dorian's behavior and wants to address them before leaving for Paris.

What is Dorian's initial reaction when he spots Basil?

Dorian experiences a strange sense of fear and does not acknowledge Basil, quickly continuing on to his own house.

Why does Dorian not want to have a conversation with Basil?

Dorian likely avoids Basil because he knows Basil will call him out on his actions and possibly discuss his reaction to Sybil's death, which Basil had previously found horrifying.

What information does Basil reveal about his departure to Paris that helps Dorian create an alibi?

Basil reveals that he has already sent his heavy luggage ahead and only has a small bag with him, allowing him to reach Victoria Station in 20 minutes, which later helps Dorian create an alibi.

What does Dorian express when Basil wants to discuss his reputation?

Dorian expresses indifference, stating that he loves scandals about other people but not about himself, and tries to avoid the discussion.

Why does Basil believe Dorian's good name should be of interest to him?

Basil believes that every gentleman is interested in his good name and that Dorian should not want to be spoken of as vile and degraded.

What is the significance of Basil's statement that 'sin is a thing that writes itself across a man's face'?

This statement suggests that Basil believes one's actions and sins are visible in their physical appearance, and he uses this to argue that Dorian's innocence is evident in his untroubled youth and pure face.

What examples does Basil provide to illustrate the negative impact Dorian has had on others?

Basil cites several examples, including the Duke of Berwick leaving a room when Dorian enters, the ruined reputation of a young man in the Guards who committed suicide, and the tarnished reputation of Sir Henry's brother, who had to leave England.

How does Dorian defend himself against the accusations of causing harm to others?

Dorian defends himself by arguing that people's actions are their own responsibility and that he cannot force them to do anything. He also accuses others of hypocrisy, suggesting that they are quick to judge but do not hold themselves to the same standards.

What is the turning point for Dorian in his interaction with Basil?

The turning point occurs when Dorian, in anger and resentment, decides to show Basil his portrait, which he believes is the origin of his shame and the evidence of his sins.

What does Dorian mean when he says he will show Basil his 'diary of life'?

Dorian refers to his portrait as his 'diary of life,' implying that it records all his sins and changes over time, which he is willing to reveal to Basil.

How does Basil respond to Dorian's offer to show him his 'diary of life'?

Basil is reluctant and insists that he does not want to read anything, only seeking a plain answer from Dorian about the rumors.