1. What is Basil Hallward's profession?
From Quiz The Picture of Dorian Gray
Answer:
Painter
London artist Basil Hallward speaks to Lord Henry Wotton about his newest portrait, one of young, local subject Dorian Gray. It's an odd painting, Basil claims, as he sees much of himself in it. After all, when he met Gray he had a feeling that Fate had joys and sorrow ready for him. It'll be the greatest work of his life, he states, but the public should never see it. With comments like this, it comes as no surprise that Lord Henry is so eager to meet Mr. Gray (despite Basil's apprehension).
The meeting proves interesting as Lord Henry and a naive Dorian Gray hit it off. It's undeniable that Gray is a unique individual but Lord Henry's influence has a clear effect. Henry recommends that Gray give in to temptation because to resist will make him sick with longing. In the garden outside, Lord Henry warns him not to squander his natural beauty.
When the painting is completed, Gray agrees that it's beautiful but he wishes that it could grow old instead of him. Real life beauty fades, but the masterpiece will retain him as he is. It's pure jealousy, he says; every second he ages, the painting takes something from him and gives it to itself.