The next day, Dorian met Lord Henry and Basil for lunch. He was bursting with happiness. 'I have asked Sibyl to marry me,' he announced. 'And she has said yes.' Basil's face broke into a warm smile. 'Dorian, that is wonderful news! Congratulations.' Lord Henry did not smile. 'When did you propose?' he asked. 'Last night after the play.' 'She was so beautiful as Rosalind.' 'I could not help myself.' 'I told her everything - my name, my family, my fortune.' 'And she still wanted me, just for myself.' 'How romantic,' said Lord Henry with a touch of irony. 'You do not approve?' asked Dorian, slightly hurt. 'I neither approve nor disapprove.' 'I simply observe.' 'But I will say this, Dorian.' 'Men marry because they are tired.' 'Women marry because they are curious.' 'Both are disappointed.' Basil shook his head at this. 'Harry, you should not say such things.' 'Dorian is in love. Let him be happy.' 'I am happy,' said Dorian firmly. 'Sibyl is not like other women.' 'She lives in a world of art and beauty.' 'She understands romance in a way you never could, Harry.' Lord Henry raised his glass. 'Then I wish you all the happiness in the world.' 'When can we see this remarkable woman?' 'Tonight! She is playing Juliet tonight.' 'You must both come and see her.' 'Then you will understand why I love her.' 'We shall be there,' said Basil warmly. That evening, the three men went to the little theater. It was in a poor and dirty part of London. Lord Henry looked around with distaste. 'What a dreadful place.' 'Wait until you see her,' said Dorian eagerly. The theater was packed with working-class people. They ate oranges and talked loudly. The play began, and the actors were terrible. Romeo was fat and middle-aged. 'Is this really where you found her?' whispered Lord Henry. 'Just wait,' said Dorian nervously. Then Juliet appeared on the balcony. Dorian leaned forward with joy in his eyes. 'There she is,' he whispered. 'Is she not wonderful?' Sibyl was indeed beautiful. She stood in the moonlight like a young goddess. But when she spoke her first lines, something was wrong. Her voice was flat and lifeless. She spoke the words without any feeling. Dorian's face grew pale. 'She seems different tonight,' he said quietly. Lord Henry said nothing, but his expression said everything. Basil looked uncomfortable and sad. The audience began to boo and hiss. They threw orange peels at the stage. 'She must be ill,' said Dorian desperately. 'She has never acted like this before.' But the entire play continued in the same terrible way. When it ended, Lord Henry stood up immediately. 'I am sorry, Dorian. But she cannot act at all.' 'She is beautiful, yes. But she has no talent.' Dorian's face burned with shame and anger. 'I must go and see her,' he said. 'Something is terribly wrong.' He rushed backstage, leaving his friends behind.
B1Chapter 6 / 20492 words70 sentences
Chapter 6: The Engagement
Chapter 6 · 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 announces his engagement to Sibyl. Lord Henry warns him that marriage will ruin everything, but Dorian ignores his advice.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How does Lord Henry react when Dorian announces his engagement?
2
What goes wrong when Sibyl performs as Juliet?
3
What does Lord Henry say about Sibyl after the performance?
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