"How English you are, Basil!..."See in text(Chapter I)
Wilde was an Irishman writing for English audiences. However, he often let his disdain for English culture escape through his characters. This time he refers to the penchant in Victorian England to proclaim virtuosity in self and others.
"Conscience and cowardice are really the same things, Basil. Conscience is the trade-name of the firm..."See in text(Chapter I)
It is Lord Henry's argument that one must yield to temptations, and that those who refuse are cowards. Conscience and the concept of guilt, in the eyes of Lord Henry, develop as byproducts of cowardice.
"why I should not go in for philanthropy..."See in text(Chapter II)
During Victorian times, it was customary of the upper classes to spend time on philanthropy and charity. In Wilde's eyes, these attempts to show kindness were merely condescension and hypocrisy on the part of the rich.
"Kelso ate his chop alone at the club for some time afterwards..."See in text(Chapter III)
This means that while officials were never informed of these allegations, the gentlemen at his club shunned Lord Kelso. The fact that it was merely done "for some time" shows the lack of moral concern given to the crime itself, as opposed to the accompanying scandal.
