The Picture of Dorian Gray - Chapters 1 -10

What threat does Jim make regarding "Prince Charming?"

He swears that if he ever hurts her then he will track him down and kill him.

What does Lord Henry say is the "real drawback to marriage?"

It makes one unselfish.

How does Dorian describe the details of his engagement to Sibyl Vane?

After her performance he went backstage and talked to her. They kissed, and then she fell on her knees and kissed his hand. He told her he loved her, and she said that he was not worthy to be his wife. He didn't actually propose, but they were "engaged". No one else knows, not even her mother.

What does it mean to be "good," according to Lord Henry?

Lord Henry said that when we are happy we are always good, but when we are good we are not always happy. To be good is to be in harmony with ones self.

What does Lord Henry tell Dorian Gray that he represents to the young man?

Lord Henry said that he represents all the sins Dorian Gray never had the courage to commit.

When Lord Henry and Basil accompany Dorian to the theater, what happens to make Dorian angry?

Sibyl's acting was "absolutely incompetent".

What explanation does Sibyl Vane offer Dorian regarding her performance?

Sibyl told Dorian that before she met him, acting was the only reality of her life. After she met him he taught her what reality really is. He made her understand what love really is.

What is Dorian's reaction to Sibyl's explanation for her poor performance?

Dorian was enraged. He told her that she killed his love, she is shallow and stupid, that he will never see her again, and that she disappointed him.

After he breaks off his relationship with Sibyl, what does Dorian notice about the painting Basil had done of him?

Dorian noticed the face appeared to have changed. The expression looked different, and one might even say that there was a touch of cruelty in the mouth.

What does Dorian Gray realize when he sees the changes in the painting?

He realizes that the portrait would grow old and he would remain young; his wish at the studio came true.

What news is in Lord Henry's letter that Dorian does not open?

That Sibyl Vane is dead; she killed herself.

What choice does Dorian Gray make after Lord Henry points out how fortunate Dorian is that someone loved him so much as to kill herself for him?

"I must sow poppies in my garden."; Dorian decides to continue to live like that and allow the painting to bear the burden of his shame.

What does Dorian believe would be a real pleasure to watch?

To watch the picture of himself alter.

Where does Basil believe that Dorian had gone after learning the news about Sibyl?

Basil believed that Dorian went to visit Sibyl's mother.

Where does Dorian go the evening he learns of Sibyl's fate?

Dorian went to the Opera with Lord Henry and Harry's sister, Lady Gwendolen.

Who does Basil blame for the changes in Dorian?

Harry.

Dorian threatens never to speak to Basil again. Why?

Basil tries to get Dorian to remove the screen in front of the painting he made of him, so that he could look at it.

What does Basil want to do with the portrait of Dorian he painted?

Basil wants to exhibit the portrait in Paris.

Who is Mrs. Leaf?

Mrs. Leaf is Dorian's housekeeper.

Where does Dorian Gray decide to hide the painting?

Dorian decides to hide the painting in the old schoolroom.

What does the coroner give as the official cause of Sibyl Vane's death?

"A verdict of death by misadventure." He officially claimed it was an accident.

What does Lord Henry send to Dorian that completely fascinates him?

"A yellow book about a psychology study of a young Parisian who spent his life trying to realize in the 19th century all the passions and modes of thought that belonged to every century except his own."

Why is Dorian late meeting Lord Henry for dinner?

He was so fascinated with the book that Lord Henry sent him that he lost track of time.