Kitabı oku: «The Picture of Dorian Gray. B1 / Портрет Дориана Грея», sayfa 2

Lord Henry wasintrigued by the name. Basil did not want to speak about it. He liked secrecy, because it added mystery and romance to life. Lord Henry, who also enjoyed secrecy – in his own marriage – found this amusing. Despite Basil's serious tone, Lord Henry's cynical comments lightened the mood, and the two men moved to the garden.

Before leaving, Lord Henry once again asked Basil for the real reason he wouldn't exhibit the portrait. Basilconfessed that every portrait painted with feeling reveals more about the artist than the subject. He feared that the world would see his soul in the portrait. Lord Henry laughed.

Basil shared the story of his first meeting with Dorian Gray. “It was a party, where I felt an immediate andintense connection, as if Dorian's presence would control my life and art. This sensation was both exciting and terrifying. I realised that Dorian's personality influenced my work profoundly. It gave me a new artistic vision.”

Lord Henry wasfascinated by Basil's obsession. “I must meet Dorian Gray,” he insisted. Basil warned that while Dorian Gray was a mere inspiration for him, he feared the world would not understand. However, Lord Henry remained sceptical. “Artists often put their emotions into their work. The public's reaction shouldn't discourage you from displaying your best piece.”