Sure! Here are five major events that occur between chapters seven and eleven of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray":
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Dorian’s Indulgence in the Arts: Dorian becomes increasingly enthralled with the idea of beauty and art as he begins to explore the pleasures of life. This is influenced by Lord Henry, who encourages him to seek out new experiences, leading Dorian to attend the theatre and engage with the aesthetic lifestyle.
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Dorian's Relationship with Sibyl Vane: Dorian meets Sibyl Vane, a talented young actress, and falls deeply in love with her. He is captivated by her beauty and passion for acting, which mirrors his own desire for aesthetic pleasure. This marks a significant romantic and emotional development for Dorian.
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Dorian’s Manipulation of His Portrait: After watching Sibyl perform on stage, Dorian becomes more aware of the power of his portrait, which reflects his soul. When Sibyl’s acting suffers after her love for Dorian leads her to forget her craft, he reacts with horror, realizing that his own life and emotions are affecting the painting.
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Dorian's Descent into Vanity: Dorian's obsession with his own beauty takes a darker turn as he begins to wish for the qualities of youth and beauty to remain in his portrait while he himself can live freely and indulge in hedonism without consequences. This sets the stage for the central conflict of the novel regarding the relationship between art and life.
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The Tragedy of Sibyl Vane: After Dorian cruelly rejects Sibyl due to her poor acting, she is heartbroken and takes her own life. This event serves as a pivotal moment, showcasing the consequences of Dorian's reckless pursuit of pleasure and beauty. Dorian’s reaction to her death—a mix of guilt and self-centeredness—further complicates his character and deepens the themes of morality in the narrative.
These events are pivotal in shaping Dorian Gray’s character and highlight the novel's exploration of aestheticism, morality, and the consequences of a life lived purely for pleasure.