“He remembered wandering through dimly lit streets, past gaunt, black-shadowed archways and evil-looking houses. Women with hoarse voices and harsh laughter had called after him. Drunkards had reeled by cursing, and chattering to themselves like monstrous apes. He had seen grotesque children huddled upon doorsteps, and heard shrieks and oaths from gloomy courts” (Wilde, 93).

Why East London?

East London is presented as a different and darker side of London. The vices in East London are as prevalent as the poverty that Dorian witnesses during his excursions there. East London comes across as dark, lecherous, poverty stricken, and dirty.

Social Prejudice:

Dorian meets and falls in love with Sibyl Vane, an actress who lives in East London.

Sibyl Vane challenges conventions about East London people. Sibyl embodies positive virtues that stand in stark contrast with Dorian.

The “scandalous” nature of Dorian’s engagement with Sibyl exposes the restrictive traditions that dominate West London.

Dorian ignores the fact that his wealth, power, and prejudice toward the lower-class pose significant questions about the plausibility of their marriage.

East London people are looked down on by Dorian when he describes the audience in the theatre where Sibyl performs. Dorian's prejudice underlines his arrogance and ignorance:

“These common, rough people, with their coarse faces and brutal gestures,” (Wilde, 86).

Opium Dens

East London’s opium dens enable Dorian to achieve temporary liberation. Wilde’s description of the opium dens are that of sordid, vile places, where many of London’s citizens go to satisfy their addictions.

The fact that Dorian uses opium underlines the darker aspects of London’s upper-class. Dorian rejects West London’s artificiality in favour of a more authentic experience.

Poverty is necessary because it allows Dorian to secretly enjoy the vices that coincide with it. In this way, Dorian becomes dependent on London’s poverty as a way of maintaining his double-life.

Despite enjoying the wealth and comforts of London’s West End, Dorian identifies with East London because its uncontrolled (or ignored) squalor appeals to his desire for seclusion and debauchery.