Chapter 20
What is the setting of this chapter?
The setting is the room where Dorian hung the picture.
Why does Dorian destroy the mirror that Lord Henry had given him?
It reminds him of Lord Henry and he doesn't want to see himself anymore.
What self-realization has Dorian come to?
That there is no way for him to reform himself and that he only has one choice left, and that is to end his life.
What changes are evident in the picture of Dorian Gray?
“in the eyes there was a look of cunning, and in the mouth the curved wrinkle of the hypocrite.”
Why does Dorian feel the need to destroy the painting?
He felt the need to destroy the painting because it was the cause for everything that has happened in his life.
Why did he cleaned the knife many times till there was no stain left upon it?
He was contimplating his desecion to destroy the painting.
Do you think he knew that stabbing the painting would have resulted in his death?
I think he did, that is why he cleaned the knife over and over again contimplating his own death.
What happened to the painting?
It turned back into the picture that Basil had originally painted.
How was he found and recognized?
He was found as an old man wrinkled up in a ball, and he was not identified until the servants recognized the rings on Dorians fingers.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 19
Chapter 19
Explain: Dorian resolves to change his ways and become good.
He wants to turn his life around and he takes steps to become a more virtuous person.
Discuss Dorian's resolution and analyze his self-righteousness. Can Dorian be reformed. He can be reformedbut then he would have to change his veiws on life and become at peace with his own mortality.
Why would San Francisco be a "delightful city, and possess all the attractions of the next world?" You will have to do some research on San Francisco during that time or what is said about this city and make the connections.
What is Lord Henry's view on his own marriage? What happened to him and what is his reaction?
How is Lord Henry FINALLY wrong about Dorian?
He says the murder is to vulgar for Dorian to commit.
Do you agree or disagree with Lord Henry "anything becomes a pleasure if one does it too often."
What lie does Dorian tell about the portrait?
Explain the lines pertaining to Hamlet "like the painting of a sorrow, a face without a heart."
Analyze Lord Henry's reference to, "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and loses his own soul?" What is Dorian's response to this statement?
Dorian becomes nervous and cuts Lord Henry off by saying that everyone has a soul.
Why is it important for Dorian to believe that a soul exists in everyone?
It gives him a reason to live and continue on with his life.
How is the preface echoed in the last few paragraphs in this chapter?
Explain: Dorian resolves to change his ways and become good.
He wants to turn his life around and he takes steps to become a more virtuous person.
Discuss Dorian's resolution and analyze his self-righteousness. Can Dorian be reformed. He can be reformedbut then he would have to change his veiws on life and become at peace with his own mortality.
Why would San Francisco be a "delightful city, and possess all the attractions of the next world?" You will have to do some research on San Francisco during that time or what is said about this city and make the connections.
What is Lord Henry's view on his own marriage? What happened to him and what is his reaction?
How is Lord Henry FINALLY wrong about Dorian?
He says the murder is to vulgar for Dorian to commit.
Do you agree or disagree with Lord Henry "anything becomes a pleasure if one does it too often."
What lie does Dorian tell about the portrait?
Explain the lines pertaining to Hamlet "like the painting of a sorrow, a face without a heart."
Analyze Lord Henry's reference to, "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and loses his own soul?" What is Dorian's response to this statement?
Dorian becomes nervous and cuts Lord Henry off by saying that everyone has a soul.
Why is it important for Dorian to believe that a soul exists in everyone?
It gives him a reason to live and continue on with his life.
How is the preface echoed in the last few paragraphs in this chapter?
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 17-18
Chapter 17 and 18
What is the setting in this chapter?
The Conservatory at Selby Royal.
Why does Dorian falls into a swoon?
He becomes nervous because he knows James Vane is looking for him.
What is Lord Henry's view on women?
Why does Dorian call Lord Henry "Prince Paradox?"
Because he does not sugar coat anything and he "prefers the mistakes tomorrow".
Discuss Lord Henry's views of art, love, and religion and whether or not these views make him a skeptic. (He views art as a malady, love as an illusion, and religion as a fashionable substitute for belief.
His views make him a skeptic because he does not belive anything that doesn't have a deffinate view, he belives that there is an answer for everything.
How does Dorian becomes the huntee in these two chapters.
Jame Vane is looking to kill Dorian.
How does James die and what effect does it have on Lord Henry compared to Dorian?
What is the setting in this chapter?
The Conservatory at Selby Royal.
Why does Dorian falls into a swoon?
He becomes nervous because he knows James Vane is looking for him.
What is Lord Henry's view on women?
Why does Dorian call Lord Henry "Prince Paradox?"
Because he does not sugar coat anything and he "prefers the mistakes tomorrow".
Discuss Lord Henry's views of art, love, and religion and whether or not these views make him a skeptic. (He views art as a malady, love as an illusion, and religion as a fashionable substitute for belief.
His views make him a skeptic because he does not belive anything that doesn't have a deffinate view, he belives that there is an answer for everything.
How does Dorian becomes the huntee in these two chapters.
Jame Vane is looking to kill Dorian.
How does James die and what effect does it have on Lord Henry compared to Dorian?
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 16
Chapter 16
As the coach heads toward the opium dens, Dorian recites to himself Lord Henry’s credo: “To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.” How is this quote representative of the novel so far?
Who is Adrian Singleton and who corrupts him?
He is a troubled youth Dorian meets in the opium den,and Dorian has corrupted him.
"What goes around comes around." how is the famous quote apparent in this chapter
James Vane wanted to kill Dorian for hurting his sister, causing her death.
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
Greed, gluttony, slot, wrath, envy, lust, and pride. The sins in this chapter are wrath and pride.
How does Dorian use his youthful appearance to escape possible death?
He told James that the man wronged Sybil 18 years ago and he didn't look a day over 21.
How is escapism both used as literal and as figurative language?
Do you feel any remorse or sympathy for Dorian? Why or Why not?
I feel a little sympathy for Dorian because he was victimized byLord Henry mentely and everything that he has done has been a result of the manipulation by Lord Henry.
As the coach heads toward the opium dens, Dorian recites to himself Lord Henry’s credo: “To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.” How is this quote representative of the novel so far?
Who is Adrian Singleton and who corrupts him?
He is a troubled youth Dorian meets in the opium den,and Dorian has corrupted him.
"What goes around comes around." how is the famous quote apparent in this chapter
James Vane wanted to kill Dorian for hurting his sister, causing her death.
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
Greed, gluttony, slot, wrath, envy, lust, and pride. The sins in this chapter are wrath and pride.
How does Dorian use his youthful appearance to escape possible death?
He told James that the man wronged Sybil 18 years ago and he didn't look a day over 21.
How is escapism both used as literal and as figurative language?
Do you feel any remorse or sympathy for Dorian? Why or Why not?
I feel a little sympathy for Dorian because he was victimized byLord Henry mentely and everything that he has done has been a result of the manipulation by Lord Henry.
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 15
Chapter 15
What is the setting in this chapter?
The settins is Lady Norborough's house
Explain: "Certainly no one looking at Dorian Gray that night could have believed that he had passed through a tragedy as horrible as any tragedy of our age." Why is Dorian's situation, changes etc. looked upon as a tragedy?
The people thought Dorian lost his good friend Basil.
“keenly the terrible pleasure of a double life.” Explain why Dorian is leading a double life?
One life is the life of his sins, and the other is facing the people as a wealthy, good-looking man.
How is Lady Narborough's statement to Dorian ironic, "Lord Henry is very wicked...but you are made to be good---you look so good."?
Its ironic because He may look good on the outside but on the inside he is wretched and full of sin.
Is Dorian's consumption of opium a form of escaping his world of sin?Research the effects of opium when taken.
Yes, the effect of opium is it calms people down.
Describe the opium den that Dorian visits.
The opium den is in a dark room hiden from everything else.
How does Dorian snap/gets angry in this chapter and why?
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
Greed, gluttony, slot, wrath, envy, lust, and pride. The sins in this chapter are wrath and envy.
What does he do when he returns home?
He gave him a horse to drive him down to the river.
Dorian has sold soul for fill in the blank and explain your reason.
Beauty because the painting preserves his everlasting beauty but he pays a heavy price.
What is the setting in this chapter?
The settins is Lady Norborough's house
Explain: "Certainly no one looking at Dorian Gray that night could have believed that he had passed through a tragedy as horrible as any tragedy of our age." Why is Dorian's situation, changes etc. looked upon as a tragedy?
The people thought Dorian lost his good friend Basil.
“keenly the terrible pleasure of a double life.” Explain why Dorian is leading a double life?
One life is the life of his sins, and the other is facing the people as a wealthy, good-looking man.
How is Lady Narborough's statement to Dorian ironic, "Lord Henry is very wicked...but you are made to be good---you look so good."?
Its ironic because He may look good on the outside but on the inside he is wretched and full of sin.
Is Dorian's consumption of opium a form of escaping his world of sin?Research the effects of opium when taken.
Yes, the effect of opium is it calms people down.
Describe the opium den that Dorian visits.
The opium den is in a dark room hiden from everything else.
How does Dorian snap/gets angry in this chapter and why?
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
Greed, gluttony, slot, wrath, envy, lust, and pride. The sins in this chapter are wrath and envy.
What does he do when he returns home?
He gave him a horse to drive him down to the river.
Dorian has sold soul for fill in the blank and explain your reason.
Beauty because the painting preserves his everlasting beauty but he pays a heavy price.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray Chapter 14
Chapter 14
What is the setting in this chapter?
The Setting is Dorian's House
What is Dorian’s acquaintance with Alan Campbell and its significance to the plot—5 yrs they were drawn together through mutual love of music and were inseparable. Why does Alan avoid Dorian?
How is Basil’s body decomposed and who does it?
Alan Campbell uses chemicals to decompose the body.
Show Cause and Effect with Dorian and Alan: example cause Dorian’s request=Effect: Alan refuses.
Analyze the symbolism of what Dorian sees in the portrait after he murders Basil.
He sees the red dripping from the hand on the painting and that sybolizes the blood of Basil on Dorians hands.
Interpret and summarize the poem that is written in French. Then relate it to Dorian's situation.."the cold yellow hand"
Any references to homosexuality?
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
How does Dorian plan to blackmail Alan..what does Dorian know about Alan or what secret is kept between them?
What other sins have Dorian comitted in this chapter?
How has the picture changed?
The red is dripping from the hand of the painting.
How does Dorian plan to get rid of Basil's body?
He is going to decompose it with chemicals.
What is the setting in this chapter?
The Setting is Dorian's House
What is Dorian’s acquaintance with Alan Campbell and its significance to the plot—5 yrs they were drawn together through mutual love of music and were inseparable. Why does Alan avoid Dorian?
How is Basil’s body decomposed and who does it?
Alan Campbell uses chemicals to decompose the body.
Show Cause and Effect with Dorian and Alan: example cause Dorian’s request=Effect: Alan refuses.
Analyze the symbolism of what Dorian sees in the portrait after he murders Basil.
He sees the red dripping from the hand on the painting and that sybolizes the blood of Basil on Dorians hands.
Interpret and summarize the poem that is written in French. Then relate it to Dorian's situation.."the cold yellow hand"
Any references to homosexuality?
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
How does Dorian plan to blackmail Alan..what does Dorian know about Alan or what secret is kept between them?
What other sins have Dorian comitted in this chapter?
How has the picture changed?
The red is dripping from the hand of the painting.
How does Dorian plan to get rid of Basil's body?
He is going to decompose it with chemicals.
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 13
Chapter 13:
How is Aesteticism illustrated in this chapter?
What things does Dorian say to blame Basil for his changes?
What is Basil's reaction to Dorian's accusations?
He just denies it and says that he isn't capable of murder.
Explain the quote "Lead us not into temptation," Forgive us our sins. Wash away our iniquities" why is religion brought into this chapter?
Basil is asking for forgiveness because he knows that neither of them are inncocent.
Why did Dorian kill Basil?
He shows him the picture and Basil tells him he must repent and Dorian doesn't like that and it angers him.
How was the knife that he killed Basil with previously forshadowed in another chapter?
Make a prediction on what will happen next.
Dorian will try to dispose of the body.
How is Aesteticism illustrated in this chapter?
What things does Dorian say to blame Basil for his changes?
What is Basil's reaction to Dorian's accusations?
He just denies it and says that he isn't capable of murder.
Explain the quote "Lead us not into temptation," Forgive us our sins. Wash away our iniquities" why is religion brought into this chapter?
Basil is asking for forgiveness because he knows that neither of them are inncocent.
Why did Dorian kill Basil?
He shows him the picture and Basil tells him he must repent and Dorian doesn't like that and it angers him.
How was the knife that he killed Basil with previously forshadowed in another chapter?
Make a prediction on what will happen next.
Dorian will try to dispose of the body.
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapter 12
Chapter 12:
What is the setting in this chapter?
The setting is Dorian's House
How old is Dorian?
Dorian is 38.
Discuss Dorian’s fateful meeting with Basil.
Dorian meets with Basil at Dorian’s house and Dorian stabs Basil.
What is the difference between virtue and vice in this chapter?
The Vice in this chapter is when Dorian kills Basil, there is no virtue I know of in this chapter.
Explain the following lines when Basil tells Dorian "you don't want people to talk of you as something vile and degraded...Sin is a thing that writes itself across a man's face. If a wretched man has a vice, it shows itself in the lines of his mouth...the moulding of his hands even" (pg. 181)
He is trying to convince Dorian to live a sin free life because he can’t hide sin.
How is Dorian becoming more like Lord Henry?
Dorian was once considered innocent, but now corrupt due to many influences, what do you think is the worst sin that he has committed so far and why?
The way he treated Sybil Vane was the worst sin.
How is Dorian's soul considered Basil's handiwork/art?
Dorian’s soul is considered Basil handiwork because of Basil only liked Dorian because he only uses it for his art work.
Is Basil an innocent character?
No, because he only used Dorian for his art work.
What is the metaphorical diary of Dorian life in this chapter?
The painting is the metaphorical diary of Dorian’s life.
What is the setting in this chapter?
The setting is Dorian's House
How old is Dorian?
Dorian is 38.
Discuss Dorian’s fateful meeting with Basil.
Dorian meets with Basil at Dorian’s house and Dorian stabs Basil.
What is the difference between virtue and vice in this chapter?
The Vice in this chapter is when Dorian kills Basil, there is no virtue I know of in this chapter.
Explain the following lines when Basil tells Dorian "you don't want people to talk of you as something vile and degraded...Sin is a thing that writes itself across a man's face. If a wretched man has a vice, it shows itself in the lines of his mouth...the moulding of his hands even" (pg. 181)
He is trying to convince Dorian to live a sin free life because he can’t hide sin.
How is Dorian becoming more like Lord Henry?
Dorian was once considered innocent, but now corrupt due to many influences, what do you think is the worst sin that he has committed so far and why?
The way he treated Sybil Vane was the worst sin.
How is Dorian's soul considered Basil's handiwork/art?
Dorian’s soul is considered Basil handiwork because of Basil only liked Dorian because he only uses it for his art work.
Is Basil an innocent character?
No, because he only used Dorian for his art work.
What is the metaphorical diary of Dorian life in this chapter?
The painting is the metaphorical diary of Dorian’s life.
The Picture of Dorian Gray Chapters 1-11
Chapter 1
Lord Henry Wotton: How is he a manipulator and initiator?
He manipulates Basil into letting him meet Dorian and he initiates the friendship between them.
What kind of cigarettes does he smoke?
Is this a hint of a decadent lifestyle?
He smokes his own custom cigarettes which shows how high class he is already.
How is he cynical?
He is cynical due to the lifestyle he leads and He can easily influence Dorian.
Basil Hallward: What is his reaction to his painting of Dorian Gray?
He is mesmerized by the painting he is enthralled by the paintings beauty.
How has he violated the code of an artist according to Wilde's preface?
He tells Lord Henry, about who the painting depicted, and he didn’t just show him the painting and that basically leads to the whole story.
He obviously sees in Dorian absolute beauty and harmony. Identify where in the passages. He admits that, upon seeing Dorian for the first time, he was terrified; indeed, he was overcome by the feeling that his life was “on the verge of a terrible crisis.”
What is the main conflict in this paragraph?
The Main conflict in this with Basil and Lord Henry and its only when Basil is telling Lord Henry the rules when meeting Dorian.
Chapter 2
Bulary: A place for boiling or preparing salt
Petulant: moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation
Philanthropy: the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way
Paradox: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Caprice: a sudden, unpredictable change, as of one's mind or the weather.
Panegyric: a lofty oration or writing in praise of a person or thing
Candor: the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression
Fidelity: strict observance of promises, duties, etc
Physiology: the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.
Analyze the symbolism of Dorian Gray's first appearance in the novel and let's discuss his physical description, his actions towards Basil, and the change in him when Lord Henry arrives.
Dorian Gray proves to be every bit as a handsome as his portrait. Dorian becomes intrigued with the thought that Lord Henry is a bad influence.
Any reference to Music?
Examine the interaction between Lord Henry and Dorian.
Dorian becomes intrigued of the thought that Lord Henry can influence him in a bad way.
Cause and Effect: What is Dorian's response to his finished portrait?
Dorian is upset with the finished portrait, which causes Basil to want to destroy the painting but Dorian does not allow him to do so, and the painting becomes an obsession.
Compare and contrast: Basil and Lord Henry and identify their conflict.
Basil does not want Lord Henry to corrupt Dorian’s innocence, and Lord Henry doesn’t want Dorian to waste his life on “vulgar pastimes”.
Chapter 3
Lord Henry discovers more about Dorian Gray. He vows to dominate Dorian and begins to draw him under his influence.
He in a sense wants to live his life vicariously through Dorian Gray.
Where is the setting in this chapter?
The setting in this chapter is at Lord Henry’s Aunt, Lady Agatha’s house.
Who was Magaret Devereux?
She is Dorian’s mother.
Characterize Lord Fermor?
He is a “genial if somewhat rough-mannered” old nobleman.
Discuss what is revealed about Dorian's parentage and the effect it has
Had on him? Is this a sentimental story and Why?
Its is revealed that Dorian’s Mother was royalty and she ran away with Dorian’s father who was poor.
Analyze Lord Henry's feelings toward and decision about Dorian with the simile: "playing Dorian like a violin?"
He knows that he can basically get anything he wants from Dorian because Dorian is naive to Lord Henry’s feelings.
How is Dorian's increasing dependence on Lord Henry shown in the text?
Dorian leaves with Lord Henry and abandons his earlier plans to visit Basil.
Chapter 4
Dorian spends much of his time with Lord Henry, who manipulates Dorian's mind with his philosophy of subjects such as marriage, women, and fidelity. Dorian reveals his infatuation with Sibyl Vane, and actress. Dorian distances himself more from Basil.
Who is Victoria?
Victoria is Lord Henry’s Wife.
How would you characterize Sibyl Vane?
She is a poor, struggling, and talented actress who falls in love with Dorian Gray.
How/Where did she meet Dorian?
She met him backstage after one of her performances of Juliet in a London theater.
What does she call Dorian?
She calls him Prince Charming.
How long do they know each other in the story so far?
They don’t know each other for that long.
Examine the relationship between Lord Henry and His wife Victoria and compare with the relationship between Lord Henry and Dorian.
How does Lord Henry feel about the relationship between Dorian and Sibyl?
Analyze Lord Henry's view of women, men and fidelity.
Analyze the change in the relationship between Dorian and Basil.
Chapter 5
Sibyl, her mother, Mrs. Van, and James (Jim), Sibyl's brother, discuss her relationship with Dorian Gray, whom Sibyl calls Prince Charming. Jim, who tenderly loves Sibyl, cautions their mother to guard Sibyl, and vows to kill anyone who harms her.
How old is Sibyl?
Mrs. Vane has a secret heartache about ____?
Mrs. Vane has a secret Heartache about Jim leaving home so young.
Who is Mr. Isaacs?
He is a family friend that lends the Vane’s money
How old is Jim?
Jim is only 16 years old.
Where is he going and why is he leaving his family?
He is going to Australia to get a good job to provide for his family.
Identify members of Sibyl Vane's family and analyze their interrelationships.
Jim is very overprotective of Sibyl and Jim and his Mother don’t always get along but she secretly care about him.
What are the various reactions of Sibyl, Mrs. Vane, and Jim toward Dorian?
Sibyl almost immediately falls in love with Dorian and Jim does not like him because he is protective of his sister. Mrs. Vane is not as enthusiastic but she like the fact that Dorian has money.
Why does it seem like Sibyl feels unworthy of Dorian?
Its seems that she feels unworthy to him because of the way she speaks about his looks and his families money.
What is the main concern of Mrs. Vane? Is there anything Ironic about her feelings?
Discuss Jim's feelings in regards to Dorian?
He does not like Dorian strictly because he is looking out for his sister.
Why do you think we are being introduced to another innocent character other than Dorian? As the story continues on we seem to be loosing Dorian’s innocence and Sibyl seems to be his last hope for innocence.
Chapter 6-7
What does Dorian do to somewhat upset Basil and Lord Henry?
Dorian gets engaged to Sybil.
How does he describe Sibyl?
Dorian describes Sybil as this amazing actress.
Where is the setting in chapter 6?
The setting in Chapter 6 is the Theater where Sybil works.
What character in what play did Sibyl play the night before?
Sybil played Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Why does Sibyl feel that she can never act again?
She realizes that her feelings are no real and that she doesn’t have to act them out anymore.
What is Dorian's reaction to Sibyl after she tells him that she can never act again?
He realizes that he was in love with her acting and not her and tells her that he doesn’t want to see again.
How is Lord Henry being cynical about Dorian's engagement with Sibyl?
He knows that it will never work out and therefore he doesn’t read too much into it.
Explain: Lord Henry, with a typically paradoxical aphorism, says, “Dorian is far too wise not to do foolish things now and then, dear Basil.”
Who is Dorian really in love with? Sibyl or the characters she plays Juliet, or Rosalind? Why?
He is in love with her acting because it is another phase of beauty.
Chapter 8-9
Discussion Questions:
Discuss events the morning after Dorian’s rejection of Sibyl.
Dorian looks at the portrait and find it has definitely changed. Lord Henry comes and tells him of Sibyl’s death and the possibility that it was suicide. At first Dorian feels remorse, but, under Lord Henry’s manipulation, comes to view the death as a sign of Sibyl’s selfishness and a token of her great love for him. He decides that he will enjoy the sensual pleasures of life, knowing that his portrait will reflect the aging and corruption.
What is the legend of Narcissus? Compare and contrast Dorian’s self-love with that of Narcissus and Narcissus’ treatment of Echo with the way Dorian has treated Sibyl.
Dorian is consumed with love of himself, sits enamored in front of his portrait for hours, and has feigned kissing the portrait. Many women fell in love with Narcissus because of his great beauty, but he spurned their advances. They nymph Echo, who had been condemned by the goddess Hera never to speak again, loved Narcissus, and she eventually died because of Narcissus’ cruelty. The avenging goddess Nemesis caused Narcissus to fall hopelessly in love with the reflection of his own face. Unable to leave his image, he died, and the flower of narcissus grew where his body had lain. Dorian, consumed with his own self-love and his rejection of Sibyl because of her failure to meet his expectations, causes her death.
.
Analyze the conversation between Dorian and Basil about the portrait and why Basil has changed his mind about exhibiting it.
Dorian refuses to allow Basil to see the portrait and threatens to end their friendship if he insists. Both men have a secret: Basil has not been willing to exhibit the portrait because he has become absorbed with Dorian to the point of worship. As he painted the portrait, he had put too much of himself into it. Dorian has observed the changes in the portrait and fears that Basil will see the changes. Basil confesses his secret, Dorian continues to hide his.
Analyze Dorian’s concealment of the portrait and the meaning of the sentence, “What the worm was to the corpse, his sins would be to the painted image on the canvas”
He symbolically covers the portrait with a large, purple satin coverlet such as might have served as a covering for coffin. He knows that, just as worms destroy a corpse, his own sins will destroy his image in the portrait, marring its beauty and eating away its grace. Unlike a corpse, however, the portrait will always be alive. He hides the picture in the room where he spent much of his lonely childhood. Ironically, he recalls his purity as a child in contrast to the sins the portrait reveals.
Discuss the yellow book Lord Henry sends Dorian?
The Yellow book is like a scripture that prophesizes Dorian’s life.
Examine the 2 sides of Dorian and the effect of his decline on the portrait.
There are two sides to Dorian the innocent side that is the one that loathes what he sees when he looks at the painting and the side that loves what he sees when he looks in the mirror.
Identify and discuss the significance of the variety of things with which Dorian attempts to satisfy his worship of the senses.
He starts to fill his life with a variety of beautiful things.
Analyze why Dorian is drawn to the power of the jewels and what they symbolize
The jewels symbolize the undying beauty that he cannot attain.
Examine the overpowering fear that grips Dorian and the influence the yellow book has on him.
The Fear that grips Dorian is the fear of his own mortality that the yellow book brings to light.
Chapter 10
Identify and discuss the significance of the variety of things with which Dorian attempts to satisfy his worship of the senses.
All of those things are a means for Dorian to surround himself with beauty.
What does the following quote means: "What the work was to the corpse, his sins would be to the painted image on the canvas.....And yet the thing would still live. It would be always alive" (pg. 153).
What is it about Dorian that seems to charm everybody? Why?
Dorian’s good looks seems to charm everyone he meets.
What does Dorian decides to do with the portrait and why?
He decides to cover with a cloak and hide it upstairs in his house.
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
What other sins has he committed to cause change to the picture?
What gift does Lord Henry give to Dorian and does it have any influence on Dorian? What is the novel about?
He gives him the Yellow book its becomes a scripture for Dorian, and it is about a Frenchmen.
What is Dorian reaction to the "inquest on an actress."
Chapter 11
How old is he in this chapter?
Dorian Gray in this chapter is 37 all though chapters 11-and 12 are a span that covers 18 years. In the beginning of chapter 11 He could have been as young as 19 years old.
Analyze why Dorian is drawn to the power of jewels and what they symbolize.
Dorian is drawn to the power of Jewels because of their unchanging beauty and they symbolize his own fate.
Examine the overpowering fear that grips Dorian and the influence of the yellow book has on him. Why does the "whole book seemed to him to contain the story of his own life, written before he lived it?"
The overpowering fear Dorian has is that of his own mortality and the effects that will cause to him physically. To him the book is like a scripture prophesizing his life as he lives it.
Dorian is obviously sinful, why is it then that "there was something in the purity of his face that rebuked [people]?"
The purity in his face is his conscience, the part of him that makes him loathe the painting as he looks into it and sees his self.
Discuss the "worshiping of the senses"
The worshiping of the senses is another way for Dorian to stay intellectually curious; he turns to the study of beautiful things as a way to continue his devotion toward asceticism.
What is meant by the "New Hedonism?"
“New Hedonism” is a form of resistance against the conventional morality that Lord Henry spends so much of his time criticizing.
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
The 7 deadly sins are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. In this chapter Gluttony occurs although not in every sense of the word, Gluttony of the mind due to his devotion to the study of beautiful things. Greed also in wanting to know everything about beautiful things. Pride also occurs when he looks at the painting.
Why is Dorian seemingly obsessed with materialistic things such as tapestry, jewelry etc.? It says that he sought to accumulate the most exquisite specimens...."
After watching himself change in the picture it seems that he is trying to surround himself with beauty.
How has Dorian changed from innocent to an experienced possibly over indulgent/obsessive
man?
As he becomes older and more senile he begins to get carried away with studying all things beautiful and it seems like he is trying to trap beauty.
Do you think his overindulgence in worldly/material things is a form of escapism? Explain.
What Dorian is doing is not hard to understand he is overcompensating for all the beauty dieing around him. He is continuously trying to escape his dreaded fate by surrounding himself with beauty.
Discuss any inference of homosexuality in this chapter.
In this chapter Dorian's love of beauty defiantly goes beyond inanimate objects and himself, he begins to see beauty in other men.
How has Dorian been poisoned by the book?
Dorian has become a crazed, senile, and paranoid due to the book.
Lord Henry gave him the book. How is Lord Henry's character demonized?
Lord Henry has become the puppet master of Dorian's life even when he’s not around; he continues to pull the strings.
Lord Henry Wotton: How is he a manipulator and initiator?
He manipulates Basil into letting him meet Dorian and he initiates the friendship between them.
What kind of cigarettes does he smoke?
Is this a hint of a decadent lifestyle?
He smokes his own custom cigarettes which shows how high class he is already.
How is he cynical?
He is cynical due to the lifestyle he leads and He can easily influence Dorian.
Basil Hallward: What is his reaction to his painting of Dorian Gray?
He is mesmerized by the painting he is enthralled by the paintings beauty.
How has he violated the code of an artist according to Wilde's preface?
He tells Lord Henry, about who the painting depicted, and he didn’t just show him the painting and that basically leads to the whole story.
He obviously sees in Dorian absolute beauty and harmony. Identify where in the passages. He admits that, upon seeing Dorian for the first time, he was terrified; indeed, he was overcome by the feeling that his life was “on the verge of a terrible crisis.”
What is the main conflict in this paragraph?
The Main conflict in this with Basil and Lord Henry and its only when Basil is telling Lord Henry the rules when meeting Dorian.
Chapter 2
Bulary: A place for boiling or preparing salt
Petulant: moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation
Philanthropy: the activity of donating to such persons or purposes in this way
Paradox: a statement or proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.
Caprice: a sudden, unpredictable change, as of one's mind or the weather.
Panegyric: a lofty oration or writing in praise of a person or thing
Candor: the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression
Fidelity: strict observance of promises, duties, etc
Physiology: the branch of biology dealing with the functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, including all physical and chemical processes.
Analyze the symbolism of Dorian Gray's first appearance in the novel and let's discuss his physical description, his actions towards Basil, and the change in him when Lord Henry arrives.
Dorian Gray proves to be every bit as a handsome as his portrait. Dorian becomes intrigued with the thought that Lord Henry is a bad influence.
Any reference to Music?
Examine the interaction between Lord Henry and Dorian.
Dorian becomes intrigued of the thought that Lord Henry can influence him in a bad way.
Cause and Effect: What is Dorian's response to his finished portrait?
Dorian is upset with the finished portrait, which causes Basil to want to destroy the painting but Dorian does not allow him to do so, and the painting becomes an obsession.
Compare and contrast: Basil and Lord Henry and identify their conflict.
Basil does not want Lord Henry to corrupt Dorian’s innocence, and Lord Henry doesn’t want Dorian to waste his life on “vulgar pastimes”.
Chapter 3
Lord Henry discovers more about Dorian Gray. He vows to dominate Dorian and begins to draw him under his influence.
He in a sense wants to live his life vicariously through Dorian Gray.
Where is the setting in this chapter?
The setting in this chapter is at Lord Henry’s Aunt, Lady Agatha’s house.
Who was Magaret Devereux?
She is Dorian’s mother.
Characterize Lord Fermor?
He is a “genial if somewhat rough-mannered” old nobleman.
Discuss what is revealed about Dorian's parentage and the effect it has
Had on him? Is this a sentimental story and Why?
Its is revealed that Dorian’s Mother was royalty and she ran away with Dorian’s father who was poor.
Analyze Lord Henry's feelings toward and decision about Dorian with the simile: "playing Dorian like a violin?"
He knows that he can basically get anything he wants from Dorian because Dorian is naive to Lord Henry’s feelings.
How is Dorian's increasing dependence on Lord Henry shown in the text?
Dorian leaves with Lord Henry and abandons his earlier plans to visit Basil.
Chapter 4
Dorian spends much of his time with Lord Henry, who manipulates Dorian's mind with his philosophy of subjects such as marriage, women, and fidelity. Dorian reveals his infatuation with Sibyl Vane, and actress. Dorian distances himself more from Basil.
Who is Victoria?
Victoria is Lord Henry’s Wife.
How would you characterize Sibyl Vane?
She is a poor, struggling, and talented actress who falls in love with Dorian Gray.
How/Where did she meet Dorian?
She met him backstage after one of her performances of Juliet in a London theater.
What does she call Dorian?
She calls him Prince Charming.
How long do they know each other in the story so far?
They don’t know each other for that long.
Examine the relationship between Lord Henry and His wife Victoria and compare with the relationship between Lord Henry and Dorian.
How does Lord Henry feel about the relationship between Dorian and Sibyl?
Analyze Lord Henry's view of women, men and fidelity.
Analyze the change in the relationship between Dorian and Basil.
Chapter 5
Sibyl, her mother, Mrs. Van, and James (Jim), Sibyl's brother, discuss her relationship with Dorian Gray, whom Sibyl calls Prince Charming. Jim, who tenderly loves Sibyl, cautions their mother to guard Sibyl, and vows to kill anyone who harms her.
How old is Sibyl?
Mrs. Vane has a secret heartache about ____?
Mrs. Vane has a secret Heartache about Jim leaving home so young.
Who is Mr. Isaacs?
He is a family friend that lends the Vane’s money
How old is Jim?
Jim is only 16 years old.
Where is he going and why is he leaving his family?
He is going to Australia to get a good job to provide for his family.
Identify members of Sibyl Vane's family and analyze their interrelationships.
Jim is very overprotective of Sibyl and Jim and his Mother don’t always get along but she secretly care about him.
What are the various reactions of Sibyl, Mrs. Vane, and Jim toward Dorian?
Sibyl almost immediately falls in love with Dorian and Jim does not like him because he is protective of his sister. Mrs. Vane is not as enthusiastic but she like the fact that Dorian has money.
Why does it seem like Sibyl feels unworthy of Dorian?
Its seems that she feels unworthy to him because of the way she speaks about his looks and his families money.
What is the main concern of Mrs. Vane? Is there anything Ironic about her feelings?
Discuss Jim's feelings in regards to Dorian?
He does not like Dorian strictly because he is looking out for his sister.
Why do you think we are being introduced to another innocent character other than Dorian? As the story continues on we seem to be loosing Dorian’s innocence and Sibyl seems to be his last hope for innocence.
Chapter 6-7
What does Dorian do to somewhat upset Basil and Lord Henry?
Dorian gets engaged to Sybil.
How does he describe Sibyl?
Dorian describes Sybil as this amazing actress.
Where is the setting in chapter 6?
The setting in Chapter 6 is the Theater where Sybil works.
What character in what play did Sibyl play the night before?
Sybil played Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Why does Sibyl feel that she can never act again?
She realizes that her feelings are no real and that she doesn’t have to act them out anymore.
What is Dorian's reaction to Sibyl after she tells him that she can never act again?
He realizes that he was in love with her acting and not her and tells her that he doesn’t want to see again.
How is Lord Henry being cynical about Dorian's engagement with Sibyl?
He knows that it will never work out and therefore he doesn’t read too much into it.
Explain: Lord Henry, with a typically paradoxical aphorism, says, “Dorian is far too wise not to do foolish things now and then, dear Basil.”
Who is Dorian really in love with? Sibyl or the characters she plays Juliet, or Rosalind? Why?
He is in love with her acting because it is another phase of beauty.
Chapter 8-9
Discussion Questions:
Discuss events the morning after Dorian’s rejection of Sibyl.
Dorian looks at the portrait and find it has definitely changed. Lord Henry comes and tells him of Sibyl’s death and the possibility that it was suicide. At first Dorian feels remorse, but, under Lord Henry’s manipulation, comes to view the death as a sign of Sibyl’s selfishness and a token of her great love for him. He decides that he will enjoy the sensual pleasures of life, knowing that his portrait will reflect the aging and corruption.
What is the legend of Narcissus? Compare and contrast Dorian’s self-love with that of Narcissus and Narcissus’ treatment of Echo with the way Dorian has treated Sibyl.
Dorian is consumed with love of himself, sits enamored in front of his portrait for hours, and has feigned kissing the portrait. Many women fell in love with Narcissus because of his great beauty, but he spurned their advances. They nymph Echo, who had been condemned by the goddess Hera never to speak again, loved Narcissus, and she eventually died because of Narcissus’ cruelty. The avenging goddess Nemesis caused Narcissus to fall hopelessly in love with the reflection of his own face. Unable to leave his image, he died, and the flower of narcissus grew where his body had lain. Dorian, consumed with his own self-love and his rejection of Sibyl because of her failure to meet his expectations, causes her death.
.
Analyze the conversation between Dorian and Basil about the portrait and why Basil has changed his mind about exhibiting it.
Dorian refuses to allow Basil to see the portrait and threatens to end their friendship if he insists. Both men have a secret: Basil has not been willing to exhibit the portrait because he has become absorbed with Dorian to the point of worship. As he painted the portrait, he had put too much of himself into it. Dorian has observed the changes in the portrait and fears that Basil will see the changes. Basil confesses his secret, Dorian continues to hide his.
Analyze Dorian’s concealment of the portrait and the meaning of the sentence, “What the worm was to the corpse, his sins would be to the painted image on the canvas”
He symbolically covers the portrait with a large, purple satin coverlet such as might have served as a covering for coffin. He knows that, just as worms destroy a corpse, his own sins will destroy his image in the portrait, marring its beauty and eating away its grace. Unlike a corpse, however, the portrait will always be alive. He hides the picture in the room where he spent much of his lonely childhood. Ironically, he recalls his purity as a child in contrast to the sins the portrait reveals.
Discuss the yellow book Lord Henry sends Dorian?
The Yellow book is like a scripture that prophesizes Dorian’s life.
Examine the 2 sides of Dorian and the effect of his decline on the portrait.
There are two sides to Dorian the innocent side that is the one that loathes what he sees when he looks at the painting and the side that loves what he sees when he looks in the mirror.
Identify and discuss the significance of the variety of things with which Dorian attempts to satisfy his worship of the senses.
He starts to fill his life with a variety of beautiful things.
Analyze why Dorian is drawn to the power of the jewels and what they symbolize
The jewels symbolize the undying beauty that he cannot attain.
Examine the overpowering fear that grips Dorian and the influence the yellow book has on him.
The Fear that grips Dorian is the fear of his own mortality that the yellow book brings to light.
Chapter 10
Identify and discuss the significance of the variety of things with which Dorian attempts to satisfy his worship of the senses.
All of those things are a means for Dorian to surround himself with beauty.
What does the following quote means: "What the work was to the corpse, his sins would be to the painted image on the canvas.....And yet the thing would still live. It would be always alive" (pg. 153).
What is it about Dorian that seems to charm everybody? Why?
Dorian’s good looks seems to charm everyone he meets.
What does Dorian decides to do with the portrait and why?
He decides to cover with a cloak and hide it upstairs in his house.
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
What other sins has he committed to cause change to the picture?
What gift does Lord Henry give to Dorian and does it have any influence on Dorian? What is the novel about?
He gives him the Yellow book its becomes a scripture for Dorian, and it is about a Frenchmen.
What is Dorian reaction to the "inquest on an actress."
Chapter 11
How old is he in this chapter?
Dorian Gray in this chapter is 37 all though chapters 11-and 12 are a span that covers 18 years. In the beginning of chapter 11 He could have been as young as 19 years old.
Analyze why Dorian is drawn to the power of jewels and what they symbolize.
Dorian is drawn to the power of Jewels because of their unchanging beauty and they symbolize his own fate.
Examine the overpowering fear that grips Dorian and the influence of the yellow book has on him. Why does the "whole book seemed to him to contain the story of his own life, written before he lived it?"
The overpowering fear Dorian has is that of his own mortality and the effects that will cause to him physically. To him the book is like a scripture prophesizing his life as he lives it.
Dorian is obviously sinful, why is it then that "there was something in the purity of his face that rebuked [people]?"
The purity in his face is his conscience, the part of him that makes him loathe the painting as he looks into it and sees his self.
Discuss the "worshiping of the senses"
The worshiping of the senses is another way for Dorian to stay intellectually curious; he turns to the study of beautiful things as a way to continue his devotion toward asceticism.
What is meant by the "New Hedonism?"
“New Hedonism” is a form of resistance against the conventional morality that Lord Henry spends so much of his time criticizing.
Once again, what are the 7 deadly sins and identify any within this chapter.
The 7 deadly sins are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. In this chapter Gluttony occurs although not in every sense of the word, Gluttony of the mind due to his devotion to the study of beautiful things. Greed also in wanting to know everything about beautiful things. Pride also occurs when he looks at the painting.
Why is Dorian seemingly obsessed with materialistic things such as tapestry, jewelry etc.? It says that he sought to accumulate the most exquisite specimens...."
After watching himself change in the picture it seems that he is trying to surround himself with beauty.
How has Dorian changed from innocent to an experienced possibly over indulgent/obsessive
man?
As he becomes older and more senile he begins to get carried away with studying all things beautiful and it seems like he is trying to trap beauty.
Do you think his overindulgence in worldly/material things is a form of escapism? Explain.
What Dorian is doing is not hard to understand he is overcompensating for all the beauty dieing around him. He is continuously trying to escape his dreaded fate by surrounding himself with beauty.
Discuss any inference of homosexuality in this chapter.
In this chapter Dorian's love of beauty defiantly goes beyond inanimate objects and himself, he begins to see beauty in other men.
How has Dorian been poisoned by the book?
Dorian has become a crazed, senile, and paranoid due to the book.
Lord Henry gave him the book. How is Lord Henry's character demonized?
Lord Henry has become the puppet master of Dorian's life even when he’s not around; he continues to pull the strings.
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