Many weeks passed, and the portrait was finally finished. Basil had worked on it every day with great care. Lord Henry came to the studio for the final unveiling. The three men stood before the covered painting. 'Are you ready to see it, Dorian?' asked Basil nervously. 'Of course. I have been waiting for this moment.' Basil removed the cloth that covered the painting. Dorian stepped back and gasped in surprise. The portrait was absolutely beautiful. It showed him standing in soft golden light. His face was perfect, his eyes bright and clear. His lips curved in a gentle, innocent smile. 'It is your finest work, Basil,' said Lord Henry. 'You must send it to the art exhibition next month.' But Dorian was not listening to them. He stood frozen, staring at his own image. Lord Henry's words echoed in his mind. One day you will be old and ugly and wrinkled. He looked at the portrait, then at his hands. His hands would grow thin and spotted with age. His face would become lined and tired. But the portrait would stay forever young. It would remain beautiful while he grew old. A feeling of sharp jealousy filled his heart. 'What is the matter, Dorian?' asked Basil with concern. 'Do you not like the painting?' Dorian turned to face them with tears in his eyes. 'Like it? I am jealous of it.' 'Why should it keep what I must lose?' 'Every moment takes something away from me.' 'Every moment gives something more to the portrait.' Basil stared at Dorian in shocked silence. Lord Henry watched with a curious smile. 'How sad it is,' continued Dorian bitterly. 'I shall grow old, horrible, and dreadful.' 'But this picture will always remain young.' 'It will never be older than this particular day of June.' He threw himself onto a couch and buried his face in his hands. 'If only it were the other way,' he cried. 'If only the picture could change, and I could stay young.' 'I would give my soul for that!' 'I would give everything for that!' The room fell silent after his desperate words. Basil looked pale and upset. 'Dorian, you must not say such things.' 'This painting has caused you pain. I will destroy it.' He picked up a knife from the table. 'No!' Dorian jumped up and grabbed his arm. 'It would be murder, Basil! I will not let you.' 'I am glad you appreciate my work at last,' said Basil coldly. Lord Henry laughed at the dramatic scene. 'This is your doing, Harry,' said Basil angrily. 'You have filled his head with nonsense about youth and beauty.' 'I have only told him the truth,' said Lord Henry calmly. 'Better he learns it now than later.' Dorian looked at the portrait again. His beautiful painted face smiled back at him. He felt a strange connection to it now. 'You must give this painting to me, Basil.' 'It belongs to you,' said Basil. 'It has always been yours.' Dorian smiled for the first time that afternoon. 'I will treasure it forever,' he said. 'Come, let us have dinner,' said Lord Henry. 'There has been enough drama for one day.' They left the studio together. Dorian looked back once at the portrait. He wondered what his wish might bring. He did not yet know that some wishes should never be spoken. And he did not know what it would cost him. But fate had already heard him.
B1Chapter 3 / 20578 words70 sentences
Chapter 3: The Wish
Chapter 3 · The Picture of Dorian Gray · B1 English. Tip: Click on any word while reading to see its translation. Take your time with each chapter and review the vocabulary before moving on.
Chapter Summary
Dorian sees his finished portrait and is struck by his own beauty. Fearing he will grow old, he makes a desperate wish that the portrait would age instead of him.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why was Dorian jealous of his own portrait?
2
What did Dorian offer to give in exchange for eternal youth?
3
Why did Dorian stop Basil from destroying the painting?
4