The title, “Basil’s studio”, suggests that there is going to be a descriptive sequence about the character’s studio. In particular, it is likely that the text is going to be about the painter who portrayed Dorian Gray.
The text opens with a descriptive sequence whose function is to introduce the reader to the setting.
The first paragraph appeals to the senses and provides an accurate idea of the atmosphere of the painter’s studio.
The second paragraph focuses on further details: one of the characters, Lord Henry Wotton, is introduced to the reader through his habits and through the sensations he feels thanks to the room’s atmosphere. Wotton is a friend of Basil.
The function of the following sequence is to introduce the main elements of the extract: Dorian Gray’s portrait, underlined by the position and dimensions of the canvas itself, and its painter.
The last sequence is a dialogue between the two character, which is opened by Lord Wotton. His first sentence reveals that he is almost able to read Basil’s mind, who’s lost in contemplating his own painting.
The dialogue is centred on Wotton’s suggestion to exhibit the portrait.
The atmosphere’s description features different comparisons and references to Nature: mainly trees and flowers, but also smells.
As for the two characters, Wottom and Basil are friends. Wottom belongs to aristocracy, as his name suggests. He seems to be a man who only cares about being pleasured and about material things.
Basil seems to be a man who isn’t interested in money; he is also an introvert person, who tends to have secrets and to hide them from people.