DG: Pg. 111-129

"'If you wish me never to look at your picture again, I am content. I have always you to look at ... Your friendship is dearer to me'" (117).

Basil's statement is reminiscent of Sibyl's proclamation to Dorian. Both Basil and Sibyl made the separation between art and reality that Dorian fails to see. In contrast to Dorian, Basil has made clear just how insignificant art is to him, just as Sibyl did. In both cases, Dorian means a lot more than art, however it is evident that Dorian does not agree with this. We saw how crude he reacted after Sibyl's confession, so his reaction to Basil's statement was expected. After Basil confessed his reasons for concealing the picture, Dorian proclaimed that "it was a very disappointing confession" (119). I am confident that as long as Basil keeps making the distinction between art and reality, eventually Dorian will realize how much more important realism is.

"The love that he bore him [Basil] - had nothing in it that was not noble and intellectual. It was not that mere physical admiration of beauty that is born of the senses" (122).

Despite Dorian's many claims stating that Lord Henry is a better friend, it is evident here that he has actually made a deeper connection with Basil. Now he is starting to realize the importance of his and Basil's relationship over his and Lord Henry's. Dorian's friendship to Lord Henry is simply based on his admiration for Lord Henry's boldness and outstanding theories. Here, for the first time, Dorian is appreciating something internal rather than externally like he did for Sibyl and continues to do for Lord Henry.