# Chapter XV explained — The Picture of Dorian Gray

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

## What happens

Dorian Gray attends a dinner party at Lady Narborough's, maintaining a calm exterior despite inner turmoil. He interacts with Lord Henry and other guests, but his anxiety grows. After leaving early, he returns home to burn Basil Hallward's belongings and retrieves a mysterious Chinese box containing a green paste, hinting at his descent into further corruption.

## Themes in this chapter

### Vanity and the Double Life

Dorian's calm demeanor at the party contrasts with his inner horror, illustrating his double life and the pleasure he derives from deception.

### Sin and Punishment

Dorian's actions—burning evidence and retrieving the box—suggest his ongoing sin and the psychological torment that accompanies it.

## Character check-ins

### Dorian Gray

Attends Lady Narborough's party, struggles with inner turmoil, burns Basil's belongings, and retrieves a mysterious box.

### Lord Henry Wotton

Arrives late to the party, engages in witty conversation, and questions Dorian about his activities.

### Lady Narborough

Hosts the dinner party, expresses fondness for Dorian, and comments on her guests.

### Basil Hallward

Referenced indirectly through Dorian's burning of his coat and bag.

## Key lines

> Perhaps one never seems so much at one's ease as when one has to play a part.

People often appear most relaxed when they are pretending to be someone else.

_Reflects Dorian's skill at maintaining a facade despite his inner turmoil._

> It is the feet of clay that make the gold of the image precious.

Flaws are what make perfection valuable and interesting.

_Lord Henry's aphorism about the charm of imperfection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_picture_of_dorian_gray_se/chapters/xv
- 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