# Chapter XIII explained — The Picture of Dorian Gray

> Chapter companion for The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

## What happens

Dorian Gray leads Basil Hallward to the locked attic room and reveals the corrupted portrait, which now bears the marks of Dorian's sins. Basil is horrified and urges repentance, but Dorian, overcome with hatred, murders him by stabbing him repeatedly. Dorian then calmly plans to cover up the crime, hiding evidence and considering an alibi.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Soul and Conscience

The portrait serves as a physical manifestation of Dorian's soul, and Basil's plea for repentance highlights the struggle between sin and moral awakening.

### Sin and Punishment

Dorian's murder of Basil is the culmination of his sinful life, and the portrait's corruption visually represents the punishment that awaits him.

### Influence and Corruption

Dorian blames Basil and Lord Henry for his downfall, and the chapter shows how their influence has led to his moral decay and violent act.

## Character check-ins

### Dorian Gray

Reveals the portrait to Basil, murders him in a fit of hatred, and calmly plans to conceal the crime.

### Basil Hallward

Confronts Dorian about the portrait, is horrified by its corruption, and is murdered by Dorian.

## Key lines

> You are the one man in the world who is entitled to know everything about me. You have had more to do with my life than you think.

Dorian tells Basil that he alone deserves to know the truth, acknowledging Basil's significant role in shaping his life.

_Dorian shifts blame onto Basil for his corruption._

> It is the face of my soul.

Dorian declares that the hideous portrait reflects his true inner self.

_The portrait is a direct symbol of Dorian's corrupted soul._

> It is never too late, Dorian. Let us kneel down and try if we cannot remember a prayer.

Basil urges Dorian to repent and pray for forgiveness, believing redemption is still possible.

_Basil's plea contrasts with Dorian's despair and rejection of salvation._

> He rushed at him and dug the knife into the great vein that is behind the ear, crushing the man's head down on the table and stabbing again and again.

Dorian attacks Basil from behind, stabbing him repeatedly in the neck until he dies.

_The murder is sudden and brutal, showing Dorian's complete moral collapse._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_picture_of_dorian_gray_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_picture_of_dorian_gray_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_picture_of_dorian_gray_se/chapters