'The Picture of Dorian Gray': Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis

A brief summary and analysis of Chapter 2 of Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'

'The Picture of Dorian Gray' is currently one of the literary options for the Grade 12 NSC English Home Language syllabus.

00:00 Introduction
00:14 Lord Henry and Dorian meet for the first time
01:03 Lord Henry's view on influencing another person
01:43 The definition of hedonism
02:16 Dorian is amazed by Lord Henry's views
02:59 Curing the soul with the senses
03:48 Youth and beauty are the most important thing
04:34 Basil finishes the painting
05:35 Dorian's wish to exchange his soul for eternal youth and beauty
06:10 Basil almost destroys the painting
06:57 Dorian wants to spend more time with Lord Henry
07:48 Basil's garden is like the Garden of Eden
08:31 Dorian's character
09:13 Lord Henry's views on influence and the duty one has to oneself
11:05 Dorian's character - narcissistic and obsessed with beauty
11:39 Who is responsible for Dorian's ultimate downfall?
12:40 Conclusion