The first sequence has the function to introduce the reader into the environment of somebody who got a studio, probably an artist. The intelligent reader can immediately recognise one of the Aesthetic movement's feature: the appeal to the language of sense impressions( they believed true reality could only be found through senses). Thanks to the use of words like "odour", "scent", "perfume" the narrator appeals to smell and almost makes the reader sink into all the smells.

The second sequence depicts the studio and introduces the first character of the novel, Lord Henry Watton. He introduced by his actions and habits and the reader understands he belongs to aristocracy. In the second sequence the intelligent reader notices an additional feature of the Aesthetic movement: the obsessive attention to detail, that makes the reader feel he is in the scene. Curtains are particularly depicted and give shape to the birds outside. The reader also notices a taste of exoticism because of the reference to Japanese art. The narrator also adds words appealing to hearing ("murmur", "bourdon"). In particular, at verse 15 the speaking voice uses an epigrammatic sentence which sticks in the reader's mind and informs the reader that the total pleasure of the character make him feel the "dim roar" as he was distant.

The third sequence has the function to introduce indirectly the main character of the novel, Dorian Grey. The portrait has a central position in the house. Its position may have a symbolic meaning: it may symbolises that arts plays a central role in human being's life. In addition, the third sequence introduces an additional novel character, Basil Hallward, the painter of Dorian Grey's portrait. He is introduced with reference to his reputation and activity. The narrator's intrusion suggests that Basil was considered an eccentric man.

The last sequence consists of the dialogue between Basil and Lord Henry Watton: while Lord Henry is struck by the picture's beauty and suggests Basil to "send it next year to the Grosnevor", Basil is reluctant because he had put too much of himself into it". One more time, what strikes the reader's attention is the narrator's obsessive attention of details, in a typical Aesthetic taste. Even the characters' body language are carried out accurately("tossing his head back", "elevated his eyebrows and looked at him in amazement").