The Picture Of Dorian Gray: Chapter 12-13

“you should not have made his sister’s name a byword” (154).  Byword- a word or phrase associated with some person or thing; a characteristic expression, typical greeting, or the like 

“starred with myriads of golden eyes” (163).  Myriad- a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things 

“to see your soul.  But only God can do that […] I shall show you my soul.  You shall see the thing that you fancy only God can see” (156-157).

Basil says that he wants to see Dorian’s soul, but what he doesn’t know is that it is physically possible.  In reality only God can look into a person’s soul, but this is not the case for Dorian Gray.  His soul is portrayed through the portrait that Basil has painted.  The changes within this portrait are the marks of sin, and no one would be able to see it without being horrified.  When Basil sees the portrait he is in shock and does not believe it is his own work of art, but all his marks are present.  He does not know how to handle the situation, but he does not have long to deal with the shock of the portrait.  Soon after a mysterious rage comes over Dorian and he kills Basil for no reason.  These two chapters were really exciting.  

“I worshiped you too much. I am punished for it. You worshiped yourself too much. We are both punished” (162).

In this quote we see Basil once again trying to make everything right.  He is such a genuinely nice person, and he continuously suffers for it.  Dorian shuns Basil and looks down upon him, just like when Basil came forth for why he painted the portrait.  Dorian says that Basil’s confession is not even a good compliment.  We see Basil through this quote try and take some of the blame from Dorian.  He should not do anything like that.  He did nothing wrong.  He is not responsible for the sins Dorian has committed.  All he is responsible of is painting a portrait, the most beautiful portrait he ever painted.  He put no magic into it; he only poured his heart into it.  Dorian is responsible for the wish and the sins that he is given.  He will be punished for his action.  This is not Basil’s punishment.