Dorian Gray passionately describes his first encounter with the actress Sibyl Vane to Lord Henry. He contrasts her transcendent, artistic beauty with the mundane nature of ordinary women.
DORIAN: But Juliet! Harry, imagine a girl, hardly seventeen years of age, with a little flower-like face, a small Greek head with plaited coils of dark-brown hair, eyes that were violet wells of passion, lips that were like the petals of a rose. She was the loveliest thing I had ever seen in my life
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
Related Guides
5 Best Dramatic Monologues for Men
Discover the 5 best dramatic monologues for men. From Shakespeare's Angelo to Chaplin's powerful plea for humanity, find the perfect scene to showcase your range and nail your next audition.
10 Best Acting Talent Agencies in London
Looking for representation in the UK? Discover the 10 best acting agencies in London and learn how to impress them with the perfect audition scenes from our library.
More from The Picture of Dorian Gray
Chapter 1 — The Secret of the Soul
from The Picture of Dorian Gray
Basil Hallward confesses to Lord Henry Wotton the profound and terrifying influence Dorian Gray has over his art and soul, explaining why he refuses to exhibit the portrait.
The Danger of Influence and the Nature of Love
from The Picture of Dorian Gray
Lord Henry Wotton expounds his hedonistic philosophy to a young Dorian Gray while Basil Hallward paints his portrait. Henry argues that all influence is immoral and encourages Dorian to yield to his impulses rather than suppress them, sparking a profound internal awakening in the young man. The scene establishes the corruptive intellectual bond that drives the narrative's tragedy.
The Confession of Basil Hallward
from The Picture of Dorian Gray
Basil Hallward confesses the deep, obsessive influence Dorian Gray has had on his life and artistic vision. He explains why he was originally hesitant to exhibit the portrait, fearing it revealed too much of his own soul and his 'idolatry' of his muse.
The Burden of Beauty
from The Picture of Dorian Gray
Basil Hallward confesses his deep-seated anxiety regarding the tragic fate of those blessed with extraordinary beauty or intellect. He warns Lord Henry that their unique gifts—wealth, brains, and Dorian's beauty—will ultimately lead to their suffering and ruin.
Similar Scenes
The Judge's Charge
from 12 Angry Men
The presiding judge delivers final instructions to the jury in a first-degree murder trial. He emphasizes the gravity of their decision and the mandatory death sentence should they find the defendant guilty.
The Principal's Address
from The North Star
A school principal addresses his students on the eve of summer vacation in 1941. While celebrating their academic achievements, he delivers a sobering warning about the impending uncertainty and sacrifice required by the looming war.
Friendship
from Friendship
Sam stands at the grave of a mutual friend, Essie, reflecting on the vibrant life she led and the bond the three of them once shared. He attempts to reconnect with Mary, acknowledging their recent distance and the profound sense of loss that now leaves their friendship feeling incomplete.
Act I, Scene 1 — Maureen's Pride
from The Beauty Queen of Leenane
Maureen, a middle-aged woman living in rural Ireland, delivers a fervent and repetitive declaration of her Irish identity and loyalty. The speech masks her deep-seated frustration and the claustrophobia of her isolated life caring for her manipulative mother.