`The Picture of
Dorian Gray'
Chapter 4…read more

What happens?
O When Dorian visits Henry, he finds Henry's wife at home. She seems
pleased to meet Dorian but also quite nervous. The Lady Henry notices
that when they are talking about music, Dorian repeats one of Henry's
views.
O When Lord Henry arrives, Lady Henry exits. Lord Henry tells Dorian not
to marry a woman as sentimental as his wife.
O Dorian talks about how he is in love with Sibyl Vane who acts in the
theatre production of Romeo and Juliet.
O Dorian explains how wonderful she is and a how Sibyl calls him `Prince
Charming'.
O Lord Henry persuades Dorian to let him and Basil go and see a
production of the play the next day.
O Dorian goes on to say that he feels guilty after ignoring Basil and that he
appreciates the painting. Lord Henry goes on to say his views including
that the greater the painting, the duller the painter.…read more

Themes/Moods
O Admiration: Lord Henry and Dorian admire
each other very much.
O Love: Dorian has fallen in love with Sibyl, an
actress.…read more

Structure
O This is the first chapter that we learn about
Dorian's love for Sibyl. This leads away from
the idea that Dorian had homosexual
feelings for Basil or Lord Henry.…read more

References to the
painting
O Basil talks about how he feels guilty about
getting angry at Basil over the painting.
O Lord Henry says that the greater the painting
the more boring the painter.…read more

Key Quotes
O "Never marry a woman with straw-coloured
hair...Because they are so sentimental" (page
42).
O "No woman is a genius. Women are a
decorative sex" (page 42).…read more