illustration of the upper-right corner of Dorian Gray's picture

The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

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The Picture of Dorian Gray Questions on Lord Henry

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The Picture of 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...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

Lord Henry's comments on marriage in The Picture of Dorian Gray support the motif of leading a double life by highlighting the necessity of deception. He describes marriage as a facade that allows...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

Lord Henry Wotton serves as a catalyst in The Picture of Dorian Gray by influencing Dorian's descent into moral corruption. His charismatic yet hypocritical nature allows him to preach hedonism and...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

Paradox in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is central to Lord Henry Wotton's character, who uses it to express Oscar Wilde's artistic views and influence Dorian. Wotton's paradoxes, especially on...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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,...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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...

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The Picture of 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...

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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.

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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...

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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...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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...

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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...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

Lord Henry is a Satanic hero, and his epigrams are uttered to show the opposite of what they say. Dorian Gray is a victim of Lord Henry's influence, and therefore views women as objects. Oscar Wilde...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

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...

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The Picture of Dorian Gray

Potential topics for a paper on "The Picture of Dorian Gray" include analyzing it as metafiction, exploring the roles of artist, critic, and art with parallels to Wilde, contemporary critics, and the...

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