The Picture of Dorian Gray Questions on Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Why does Dorian Gray kill Basil in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray kills Basil in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" because Basil has seen the grotesque transformation of Dorian's portrait, a visual manifestation of his moral decay. Fearing exposure of his...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What happened to Dorian Gray's parents in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"?
Dorian Gray's parents both died tragically. His mother, Margaret Devereux, eloped with a man who was soon killed in a duel arranged by her father, Lord Kelso. Margaret died within a year, leaving...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How does the relationship between Basil and Dorian evolve in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
As The Picture of Dorian Gray opens, Basil describes the beautiful Dorian as his artistic muse, a person who is changing the way he sees the world. After Dorian sells his soul to the devil, the...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Compare and contrast Lord Henry and Basil's relationship with Dorian Gray.
Lord Henry and Basil have contrasting relationships with Dorian Gray. Basil, a humble painter, is genuinely devoted to Dorian, seeking to protect and preserve him, and often offers moral guidance. In...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What are the internal and external conflicts in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The internal conflict in The Picture of Dorian Gray is Dorian's desire for eternal youth, which clashes with the inevitability of aging and moral decay. Externally, he battles the consequences of his...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What are examples of duality in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Examples of duality in The Picture of Dorian Gray include the contrast between illusion and reality, beauty and ugliness, and youth and age. Dorian's youthful appearance contrasts with his corrupt...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How do Freud's id and super-ego relate to Dorian's identity in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Freud's concepts of the id and super-ego are key to understanding Dorian's identity. In the novel, Lord Henry represents the id, urging Dorian towards selfish indulgence, while Basil embodies the...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Why is Dorian Gray considered a "dandy" in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray is considered a "dandy" due to his excessive preoccupation with appearance, fashion, and social status, typical of the Victorian Era's definition of the term. He is primarily concerned...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Is Dorian Gray an antihero?
Dorian Gray is an antihero because he embodies qualities contrary to traditional heroism. While he appears young, handsome, and vibrant, his actions are far from heroic, involving murder, influencing...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How does Dorian Gray arrange for Basil Hallward's corpse disposal in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray arranges for the disposal of Basil Hallward's corpse by blackmailing his former friend, Alan Campbell, to use his scientific knowledge to destroy the body. In Chapter Fourteen, Dorian...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
In Chapter 4 of The Picture of Dorian Gray, what comment does Lord Henry make that unintentionally reflects on...
In Chapter 4, Lord Henry makes comments that inadvertently reflect on Dorian's masculinity. He describes women as "decorative," implying they lack originality, which parallels Dorian's own...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, identify the main characters and their traits.
The main characters in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" are Dorian Gray, Basil Hallward, and Lord Henry Wotton. Dorian is a dynamic and complex character who changes under Lord Henry's influence,...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Why does Sibyl stop acting and how does Dorian react in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Sibyl stops acting because her love for Dorian makes her see the stage as hollow and false, as she can no longer pretend to feel emotions she doesn't experience. Dorian reacts harshly, feeling that...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How do Oscar Wilde's words about his characters in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" reflect his self-perception?
Oscar Wilde's characterization of himself through "The Picture of Dorian Gray" reflects his complex self-perception. He identifies with Basil Hallward, seeing himself as a sensitive artist, while...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Rhetorical strategies used by Wilde in various sections of The Picture of Dorian Gray
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde employs rhetorical strategies such as irony, paradox, and epigrams. Irony is used to highlight the contrast between appearance and reality, while paradoxes...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What is the effect of introducing Dorian Gray as a topic of conversation before meeting him?
Introducing Dorian Gray through Basil and Lord Henry's conversation creates curiosity and suspense about the protagonist. It allows readers to see Dorian from others' perspectives, learning about his...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How does Dorian's past impact his life in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian's past in The Picture of Dorian Gray significantly impacts his life by leading to his moral downfall. His actions, including the murder of Basil Hallward and the blackmail of Alan Campbell,...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What four quotes from The Picture of Dorian Gray show Lord Henry causing Dorian's destruction?
Lord Henry's influence on Dorian Gray is a catalyst for Dorian's moral downfall. He encourages Dorian's superficiality, as seen when he dismisses Sibyl Vane's poor acting and suggests marrying her...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Why is Lord Henry eager to meet Dorian Gray?
Lord Henry is eager to meet Dorian Gray because he is captivated by the description of Dorian's beauty and charm relayed by his friend Basil. Basil's reluctance to show Dorian's portrait and fear...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What is the role of innocence in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, innocence is treated as an accidental state of mind. It is a primitive sense of being that is inherent to the less sophisticated, and more ignorant species. As Lord...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What characteristics lead to Dorian Gray's downfall in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray's downfall in The Picture of Dorian Gray is driven by his narcissism, vanity, and susceptibility to influence, particularly by Lord Henry. His obsession with maintaining youth and beauty...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
How is Mr. Isaacs described by Dorian in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"?
Mr. Isaacs, Sibyl Vane's manager in "The Picture of Dorian Gray," is described by Dorian as a "fat Jew" with an "oily tremulous" smile. Dorian finds him pompous, loud, and overly demonstrative, with...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What prediction does Basil Hallward make about the three main characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The greatest painter of the Victorian Age, Basil Hallward, proclaims that he will suffer for his artistic abilities. He predicts that Lord Henry Wotton's wealth and privileged social position will...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What questions arise from Chapter Two of The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Chapter Two of The Picture of Dorian Gray raises several questions pivotal to the story. Why did Basil hesitate to introduce Dorian to Lord Henry, and did he foresee Lord Henry's corrupting...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What is the nature of friendship between Basil, Lord Henry, and Dorian in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Friendship in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a double-edged sword. It can be used to hurt or help, depending on the characters involved and their intents at the time.
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Are the characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray stereotypical?
The characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray are considered stereotypical and somewhat flat, as they do not undergo significant change throughout the novel. Lord Henry Wooton, Dorian Gray, and Basil...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Does Basil's murder in The Picture of Dorian Gray signify Dorian's despair according to Oscar Wilde?
Basil's murder is depicted by Oscar Wilde as a significant act of despair for Dorian Gray. The murder occurs spontaneously, driven by Dorian's uncontrollable anger and his inner demons, which have...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What were the circumstances of Dorian Gray's birth in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray's birth circumstances involve a tragic family history. His mother, Lady Margaret Devereaux, married a man disapproved of by her father, Lord Kelso. Her husband, a "penniless young...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What metaphor does Dorian use to describe his relation to religion in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian Gray uses the metaphor of an inn to describe his relationship with religion, particularly Catholicism. He likens it to a temporary stay, not a permanent home, indicating his lack of commitment...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Why does Dorian reject Sibyl Vane in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Dorian rejects Sibyl Vane because he is initially attracted to her artistic talent and the illusion she creates on stage. However, after Sibyl falls in love with Dorian and performs poorly, she...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What is a possible thesis for a character analysis of Dorian Gray?
A possible thesis for a character analysis of Dorian Gray is to examine his transformation from innocence to corruption, driven by hedonism and influenced by Lord Henry. The thesis could be: "The...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Picture of Dorian Gray's portrayal of Anti-Victorianism, decadence, anti-class structure, and anti-community
The Picture of Dorian Gray portrays Anti-Victorianism, decadence, anti-class structure, and anti-community by challenging the era's moral values. The novel criticizes the superficiality and hypocrisy...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What does Oscar Wilde suggest about polite London society in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Oscar Wilde portrays polite London society as deeply divided, with the wealthy enjoying opulence and freedom while the poor face severe limitations. Characters like Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Does The Picture of Dorian Gray contain allusions or allegorical characters?
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde makes a number of references to both contemporary and classical texts. The influence of these texts is central to the novel's themes of hedonism and...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
In "The Picture of Dorian Gray", how does Dorian conceive the idea of the portrait aging instead of him?
Dorian Gray conceives the idea of the portrait aging instead of him after being influenced by Lord Henry Wotton, who espouses a philosophy that prioritizes sensual pleasure over morality. Enamored...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, how do Dorian's and Sibyl's views of art differ?
Dorian and Sibyl have contrasting views on art and reality. Sibyl initially views art as her reality, finding fulfillment and meaning in her theatrical performances. However, her love for Dorian...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, why is Dorian interested in the passing years?
Dorian Gray is fascinated by the passing years because, unlike his portrait, his physical appearance remains forever youthful and beautiful due to a supernatural pact. This allows him to indulge in...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What does Dorian see in the conservatory window at his estate in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
In the conservatory window at his estate, Dorian Gray sees the face of James Vane, described as being "pressed against the window like a white handkerchief." This sight shocks Dorian, causing him to...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
What is the relationship between Dorian Gray and his picture during his youth?
Dorian Gray is obsessed with his physical appearance, and has a portrait painted by Basil Hallward. As the years go by, Dorian begins to feel the effects of the sins he commits against himself and...
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Wilde's use of characterization and depiction of art imitating life in "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
In "The Picture of Dorian Gray," Wilde uses characterization to explore the theme of art imitating life. Dorian Gray's portrait reflects his inner corruption and moral decay while he remains...