The Picture of Dorian Gray Dorian Gray Quotes

"Each of us has heaven and hell in him, Basil," cried Dorian with a wild gesture of despair. (13.7)

Dorian's "despair" here is intriguing – is he, who never excuses anything, trying to explain himself to Basil?

Dorian Gray

Quote 8

He was prisoned in thought. Memory, like a horrible malady, was eating his soul away. From time to time he seemed to see the eyes of Basil Hallward looking at him. Yet he felt he could not stay. The presence of Adrian Singleton troubled him. He wanted to be where no one would know who he was. He wanted to escape from himself. (16.16)

Finally, the consequences of Dorian's choice are really kicking in – though he's firmly planted on the evil side, memories of what was once good (Basil and even his past self) keep plaguing him.

Dorian Gray

Quote 9

Dorian walked to the door with a look of pain in his face. As he drew the curtain aside, a hideous laugh broke from the painted lips of the woman who had taken his money. "There goes the devil's bargain!" she hiccoughed, in a hoarse voice.

"Curse you!" he answered, "don't call me that."

She snapped her fingers. "Prince Charming is what you like to be called, ain't it?" she yelled after him. (16.22-23)

This reminder of Dorian's fatal choice to go from "Prince Charming" to "devil's bargain" is the last thing he needs right now – a reminder of the grotesque mess he's made of his life.