The Picture of Dorian Gray #3

Although Dorian loses interest in Basil and discounts the value of their friendship, the painter visits the young man before he moves to Paris. Basil still cares about Dorian even though it is clear that Dorian does not care very much about Basil. The painter wants to make a final effort to change Dorian's sinful lifestyle because he wants the best for Dorian. Preaching to Dorian, Basil says, "I want you to lead such a life as will make the world respect you. I want you to have a clean name and a fair record. I want you to get rid of the dreadful people you associate with" (111). Although Basil is blunt, he tells Dorian exactly what must be done to turn his life around. Basil became infatuated with Dorian because of his youthful innocence and purity. Because the painter knows Dorian is capable of being a good person, he wants him to return to a lifestyle free of sin and scandal. Despite Dorian's mistreatment of Basil, the painter does not want Dorian to be hated throughout London.

Although Basil clearly displays his care for Dorian, Dorian does not appreciate Basil's effort to make him a better person. After Dorian shows the deformed portrait of himself to the painter, he becomes enraged: "Suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though it had been suggested to him by the image on the canvas, whispered into his ear by those grinning lips" (115). Although Basil has never done anything bad to Dorian, the young man blames his unfortunate change in morality on Basil. He thinks the portrait is at fault for the evil that overwhelms his soul. Basil has proven his loyalty to Dorian, but Dorian is only concerned with the supposed wrong Basil has done to him. Dorian overlooks everything Basil has tried to do for him and murders his loyal friend.