Summary Chapters 1-5
Chapter 1
The Picture of Dorian Gray begins in the London home of famous artist Basil Hallward. Basil is in the company of his friend Lord Henry Wotton. They are discussing Basil's latest painting, a work in progress. The painting is a portrait of Basil's dear friend Dorian Gray, a gorgeous young man with golden hair. Lord Henry claims it is Basil's best work yet and urges him to exhibit it. However, Basil refuses because he claims to have put too much of himself into the portrait, a concept that Lord Henry scoffs at. Lord Henry pushes for a more satisfying reason and Basil reluctantly describes to Lord Henry his first encounter with Dorian Gray. He admits that he was terrified when they first met, however, overtime Basil became obsessed and fascinated with Dorian. He meets up with him every day and claims that Dorian has become his sole source of inspiration.
Shortly after, Basil's butler enters the room to announce that Dorian Gray has arrived. Lord Henry insists on meeting the young man. Basil refuses but in the end reluctantly agrees, begging Lord Henry not to influence Dorian with his cynicism.
Chapter 2
Dorian makes his appearance in the room and Lord Henry is shocked to find that the young man is just as handsome as in the portrait. Basil introduces Dorian to Lord Henry and is quick to warn Dorian that Lord Henry is a bad influence and not to take anything he says too seriously. Dorian asks Lord Henry to stay and converse with him while he sits for Basil who continues to work on the painting. Lord Henry talks to Dorian about his personal philosophies, which intrigue Dorian. After some time Basil calls the two men back and presents to them the completed portrait. Lord Henry commends Basil for the beauty of the painting. Dorian however, is unhappy when looking at the portrait because he remembers Lord Henry telling him of the importance of beauty. Dorian realizes how as he ages his beauty will fade but the portrait will remain gorgeous. He makes a wish that he could keep his handsome appearance forever whilst it was "[...] the picture that was to grow old!" (Wilde 32). Basil gifts the painting to Dorian; shortly after Dorian departs whilst promising Lord Henry to attend the theater with him.
Later on, at a dinner hosted by his aunt, Lady Agatha, Lord Henry expounds his selfish theories and philosophies. All the guests present at the dinner are appalled by Lord Henry's selfishness. All but Dorian Gray who is rather intrigued and fascinated, so much so that he chooses to leave the dinner with Lord Henry rather than visit Basil as was promised.
Chapter 4
A month later, Dorian visits Lord Henry and announces to him that he has fallen in love with a young actress who plays the heroines in Shakespeare's tragedies. He admits to have discovered her in a poor theater located in the slums of London, but swears that she is the best actress he has ever seen. Her name is Sibyl Vane and she is flattered by Dorian's interest in her and has come to call him "Prince Charming". Dorian insists that Lord Henry and Basil accompany him to the theater to see her act. They agree to go see Sibyl perform in Romeo and Juliet the following night. Later that day Lord Henry receives a telegram from Dorian stating he is engaged to Sibyl.
Chapter 5
At Sibyl Vane's home, she is ecstatic over her engagement with her "Prince Charming". Her mother, Mrs. Vane, is not enthused by her daughter's association with Dorian and she doubts his intentions. She does, however, like that Dorian is wealthy and hopes her daughter will benefit from this. Sibyl's brother, James, is also not happy about the engagement and warns his mother to watch over Sibyl as he will be leaving for Australia soon. James and his sister go out for a walk in which they discuss James' trip to Australia and eventually land on the topic of Dorian. James swears that if Dorian ever wrongs Sibyl he will track down her "Prince Charming" and kill him.
