# Chapter XVI explained — The Picture of Dorian Gray

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

## What happens

Dorian Gray, haunted by his sins and the memory of Basil Hallward, seeks oblivion in the opium dens of London's docks. He encounters Adrian Singleton, a ruined acquaintance, and is reminded of his corrupting influence. After a tense exchange, Dorian leaves and is suddenly attacked by a man with a revolver.

## Themes in this chapter

### Hedonism and Its Consequences

Dorian's pursuit of sensory oblivion through opium illustrates the destructive end of his hedonistic lifestyle.

### Sin and Punishment

Dorian is tormented by memory and guilt, seeking forgetfulness but finding no escape from his sins.

### The Soul and Conscience

Dorian's soul is 'sick to death,' and he struggles with conscience, trying to justify his passions intellectually.

## Character check-ins

### Dorian Gray

Seeks forgetfulness in opium dens, haunted by guilt and Basil Hallward's eyes.

### Adrian Singleton

A ruined young man Dorian meets in the opium den, abandoned by friends.

### Basil Hallward

Dorian's memory of Basil's eyes haunts him, recalling Basil's accusations.

### Lord Henry Wotton

Dorian repeats Lord Henry's words: 'To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.'

### Prince Charming

A woman in the opium den mockingly calls Dorian 'Prince Charming.'

## Key lines

> To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.

Heal the spirit through physical experience, and heal the body through spiritual experience.

_Dorian repeats Lord Henry's maxim as a justification for his opium use._

> Ugliness was the one reality.

Only ugliness felt truly real to him now.

_Dorian finds reality in squalor and vice, rejecting art and beauty._

> There goes the devil's bargain!

There goes the man who sold his soul to the devil!

_A woman in the opium den mocks Dorian, referencing his pact with the portrait._

## Links

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