Chapter 1 of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” introduces us to the main characters and sets the stage for the story. The chapter begins with Basil Hallward, a talented artist, painting a portrait of a young man named Dorian Gray. Basil is captivated by Dorian’s beauty and becomes infatuated with him.

We learn that Dorian is a seventeen-year-old boy who comes from a wealthy family. He is described as having a charming and innocent appearance, which immediately captures Basil’s attention. As Basil continues to paint Dorian’s portrait, he becomes more and more enamored with him, believing that Dorian’s beauty is something extraordinary and unique.

During their conversations, Basil reveals his admiration for Dorian, while Dorian expresses his desire to remain young and beautiful forever. He wishes that the portrait Basil is painting would age instead of him, allowing him to preserve his youthful appearance. This desire for eternal youth and beauty becomes a central theme in the story.

As the chapter progresses, we are introduced to Lord Henry Wotton, a close friend of Basil’s. Lord Henry is a witty and influential man who has a profound impact on Dorian’s life. He introduces Dorian to his hedonistic philosophy, which emphasizes the pursuit of pleasure and the rejection of moral constraints.

Dorian is immediately drawn to Lord Henry’s ideas and begins to question his own values and beliefs. He becomes fascinated with the idea of living a life solely dedicated to pleasure and indulgence, without any regard for the consequences of his actions.

Overall, Chapter 1 of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” introduces us to the main characters and sets the stage for the themes of beauty, youth, and the pursuit of pleasure. It leaves us curious about how Dorian’s desire for eternal youth and his newfound hedonistic beliefs will shape his future.