The Picture of Dorian Gray — Page 209

The Picture of Dorian Gray·Chapter 16 — CHAPTER XV209/254 · 82%Page 209 of 254 · 82%

The man shook his head. “It is too far for me,” he muttered.

“Here is a sovereign for you,” said Dorian. “You shall have another if you drive fast.”

“All right, sir,” answered the man, “you will be there in an hour,” and after his fare had got in he turned his horse round and drove rapidly towards the river.

Companion notes

In this passage, we see Dorian Gray interacting with a cab driver. The term "sovereign" refers to a gold coin that was used in Britain, worth one pound. It’s a nice amount of money for a cab fare, indicating that Dorian is quite wealthy and willing to pay for quick service.

The cab driver seems a bit hesitant, suggesting that the destination is far, which hints at Dorian's impatience or urgency. The phrase “you will be there in an hour” suggests that Dorian is heading to a location that isn’t just around the corner, adding a sense of anticipation for where he’s going.

Dorian's willingness to offer extra money for speed shows his character traits of indulgence and perhaps a sense of entitlement. It’s a subtle but telling detail about his lifestyle and priorities. Keep an eye on how his interactions with others, like this cab driver, reflect his changing nature as the story progresses!

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