Chapter 7

In Chapter 7, Dorian undergoes several dramatic changes of character: he transforms from a devoted lover, to a bitter art critic, to a cruel betrayer, and seemingly back to a devoted lover. This final change is, however, superficial. He decides to do the honorable thing and marry Sibyl, but only when faced with the possibility of watching the beautiful image in the portrait succumb to degradation. The corruption of Dorian's soul has begun in earnest, as reflected by the first visible change in the portrait.

Interestingly, this chapter marks a turning point in the narrative: the focus switches from Lord Henry to Dorian. Now that Henry's influence has begun to show its effects, the narrative no longer appears as concerned with Lord Henry himself. At this point, the story begins to focus solely on Dorian as a corrupt figure. At the end of the chapter, as Dorian feebly resolves to spend less time with Lord Henry and to marry Sibyl, he is acting more out of vanity than out of love or a true sense of morality; a fact that will be revealed when the portrait fails to change for the better. This is not the last time Dorian will fail to recognize the vanity that lies behind his decisions.