The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 13

Dorian and Basil go up into the schoolroom. Basil notices how old and poorly kept the room is. Dorian tells him to pull aside the big curtain covering the painting and to take a look at his soul; Basil is shocked at this, so Dorian opens the curtain himself. Horrified at what has become of the painting, Basil can hardly believe that it is the same one. There is only a trace of Dorian's beauty in it; it is hideous, evil-looking, and old. Dorian reminds Basil of his wish to trade places with the painting. Basil, upon realizing that somehow this has truly happened, begs Dorian to pray for forgiveness, to reform and not to sin again: "The prayer of your pride has been answered. The prayer of your repentance will be answered also. I worshipped you too much. I am punished. You worshipped yourself too much. We are both punished." Chapter 13, pg. 178 Dorian refuses, and looks at Basil with a new hatred; he finds a knife, walks over to Basil, and stabs him repeatedly, killing him. It happens quickly, and when it is over he listens to several people on the street below. He exits the room, locking it behind him, and sets to find Basil's things so he can burn them. He reasons that there is no cause for alarm; everyone will think Basil is in Paris, and no one will think to question him.

Dorian rings for his new valet, Francis (Victor has gone away to France), and tells him to wake him at nine the next morning. He asks if anyone called while he was away, and Francis tells him that Mr. Hallward was there earlier, but left, saying he would try to find him at the club. Dorian thanks Francis, sends him away, and looks up Alan Campbell in the blue book.