Summary Chapters 11-15
Chapter 11
Years go by and Dorian is deeply influenced by the book Lord Henry gifted to him many years ago. Over the passing years Dorian has remained young and handsome whilst his portrait ages and carries the burdens of his life choices. Dorian's lack of aging has caused for dark rumors to form around him. However, due to his everlasting "pure" appearance people tend to dismiss these rumors once they have seen him. Over the years Dorian's intellectual curiosity changes and he pursues various things of beauty such as: perfumes, music, jewelry, embroideries and tapestries. Dorian continues to watch the painting change appearance and fears someone may see it and discover his secret.
Chapter 12
The night before Dorian's thirty-eighth birthday, Dorian runs into Basil but tries to go unnoticed. Basil notices him and accompanies Dorian home. Basil announces to Dorian that he will be leaving for France for a six month exposition of his work. The artist warns Dorian of the rumors going around about him. He asks Dorian why so many of his recent friendships have ended in disaster with one man committing suicide and others having their career ruined. Basil tells Dorian that he should use his influence over others for good and not evil. He tells Dorian that he wishes he could see into his soul, but that he knows it is not possible. Dorian laughs and tells Basil that if he wishes to see his soul then see it he will.
Chapter 13
Dorian leads Basil to the room where he keeps the painting and reveals it to Basil. The painting has become a fouler version of the original and it shocks Basil. At first he does not know what to make of it but he slowly begins to recognize his work as well as his signature in the bottom right. Basil questions Dorian on how such a thing is possible and Dorian reminds him of the day in Basil's studio when Dorian made his wish. His memory having been joggled by Dorian, Basil curses the painting and tells Dorian he can still make amends and begs him to pray for forgiveness. Dorian claims it is too late and feels a sudden surge of anger swell inside of him. He grabs a nearby knife and stabs Basil repeatedly. Dorian leaves Basil's body inside the locked room and hides the painter's belongings in a secret compartment. Dorian exits his home and knocks on the door, waking his servant and making it seem as though he had been out all night.
Chapter 14
The following morning, Dorian sends for Alan Campbell, a young scientist with whom he was once close. Whilst waiting for Campbell's arrival Dorian reminisces on his once inseparable friend and wonders if he will even come to his aid. Dorian is relieved when Campbell arrives and confesses that there is a dead body locked in a room upstairs. He asks Campbell to destroy the body for him but Campbell refuses stating he does not want to get involved. Dorian admits to having killed the man and begs Campbell to aid him, but once again Campbell refuses. Having no other option Dorian blackmails Campbell with some sensitive information Campbell does not want released in the open. With his hand forced Campbell agrees to destroy the body. A servant is sent to Campbell's residence to retrieve the tools he requires to accomplish the task. Campbell does as he is told and leaves telling Dorian he wishes to never see him again. Dorian returns to the room, the body is gone and the room is filled with the stench of nitric acid.
Chapter 15
The same night Dorian heads to a dinner party hosted by Lady Narborough. She speaks of her daughter's boring life in the country as the region has not seen a scandal in ages. Dorian finds the party incredibly boring until he is told that Lord Henry is to be in attendance. Lord Henry arrives and the guests gather at the table for dinner. Dorian is finding it difficult to eat anything. When Lord Henry asks him what is wrong and what he did the previous night Dorian's calm begins to crack, he becomes extremely defensive and gives an awkward response. Dorian decides to go home early.
Dorian gets home and burns all of Basil's belongings that were hidden in the secret compartment. Afterwards he hires a carriage to take him to a slummy part of town where the opium dens thrive.
