The Picture of Dorian Gray - Chapters 1-10 Questions

Who is Basil Hallward?

An artist who paints the picture of Dorian Gray and a friend of Lord Henry's.

What completely captures Lord Henry Wonton's attention when he visits Hallward's studio?

Basil's painting of Dorian Gray.

What does Basil believe are the only two eras of importance in the world's history?

The appearance of a new medium for art (the type of art; what is the art made up of), and the appearance of a new personality for art (different styles [Realism, Impressionism])

Basil believes that his landscape painting is the finest work he's ever done. To what does he attribute this success?

Dorian Gray was sitting next to him when he created the landscape.

What reason does Basil give for not wanting to exhibit his painting of Dorian Gray?

He put too much of himself into the painting, and it reveals too much of his secrets (That he had an obsession with Dorian Gray; or he was in love with Dorian Gray).

Why doesn't Basil want to introduce Lord Henry to Dorian Gray?

Because he knows that Lord Henry will be a bad influence on him.

What does Lord Henry claim is the "aim of life?"

Self Development

According to Lord Henry, what is "the only way to get rid of a temptation?"

To yield or give into it

What does Dorian Gray so desperately wish for that he "would give [his] soul" to have it come true?

That his portrait would age, and that he would remain untouched by the ugliness of life.

To what does Basil attribute Dorian's negative reaction to his painting?

Because of Lord Henry's negative influence

What happened to Dorian Gray's father?

His father died during a duel, and it was rumored that Dorian's grandfather set up the duel because he despised Dorian's father.

What exercise does Lord Henry find "terribly enthralling?"

The act of influencing

What advice does Lord Henry give the Duchess when she asks how she can become young again?

Relive all of the mistakes of her youth.

Who claims that Lord Henry is "extremely dangerous" yet still wishes to hear more of Henry's "philosophy of pleasure?"

Mr. Erskine

When Dorian Gray is reminded that he promised to visit Basil Hallward, where does Dorian go instead?

To meet Lord Henry in a park

Who is Victoria?

Lord Henry's wife

With whom does Dorian Gray fall in love?

Sibyl Vane

What does Lord Henry tell Dorian Gray is "the real secret of life?

The search for beauty

To where does Dorian want Henry and Basil to accompany him?

The theater, to watch Sibyl perform Romeo and Juliet

What news is in the telegram that lord Henry receives from Dorian?

That Dorian is to be married to Sibyl Vane.

What does Mr. Isaacs do to help Sibyl and her family?

Mr. Isaacs advanced them fifty pounds to pay off their debts, and buy Jim an outfit.

By what name does Sibyl Vane know Dorian Gray?

Prince Charming

What does Jim demand to know from his mother before he leaves for Australia?

He demands to know if his mother was actually married to his father.

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.