Basil's Murder In 'The Picture Of Dorian Gray'

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The climax of the story is when Dorian murdered Basil. Basil has been the moral center of the novel, serving as a foil to both Lord Henry and Dorian. Basil's murder is the ultimate act of insanity that Dorian commits and illustrates Dorian’s permanent moral decay. Dorian is seized by a profound and primitive anger that urges him to act instinctively. His hatred of Basil comes from the painting. Even though Dorian uttered the wish for eternal youth himself, he blames Basil for the picture and every single sin and evil that he has committed.

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