The Picture of Dorian Gray Study Guide Vocabulary

Key vocabulary, literary terms, and character concepts from the Grade 12 study guide for Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.'

Gothic fiction

A genre of literature that deals with horror, death, and sometimes romance.

Aestheticism

A branch of philosophy focused on the study of art and beauty, emphasizing the enjoyment of art for being beautiful rather than for its deeper meaning ('art for art’s sake').

Hedonism

A concept or philosophy where the pursuit of sensual pleasure is considered the primary aim of human life.

Protagonist

The central character in a novel, which in this story is Dorian Gray.

Antagonist

A character who opposes or is in conflict with the protagonist; Lord Henry is identified as a main antagonist.

Narcissistic

Being self-centered and obsessed with one's own beauty or importance, a trait attributed to Dorian Gray.

Muse

A source of inspiration for an artist; Dorian Gray serves as this for the artist Basil Hallward.

Prince Paradox

A nickname Dorian gives to Lord Henry because he speaks in double meanings and uses clever, confusing statements.

Epigram

A short, clever, or amusing sentence that expresses an idea, frequently used by Lord Henry to discuss shocking moral views.

Exposition

The part of the plot development that introduces the setting and the characters at the beginning of the novel.

Climax

The point of greatest tension in a story; in this novel, it occurs when Dorian stabs the painting.

Denouement

The sudden ending or resolution of the story where the final outcome of the plot and characters is revealed.

Foreshadowing

A literary technique used to hint at events that will happen later in the story.

Faustian bargain

A deal where one willingly exchanges their soul for something of great value, such as eternal youth or power.

Inference

The process of using known information and clues to understand meanings or motives that are not clearly stated in the text.

Evaluation

The ability to make judgments and form opinions about aspects of the novel based on the information provided.

The 'yellow book'

A book sent by Lord Henry to Dorian that contributes to his descent into corruption and vanity.

Opium den

A place where individuals use powerful drugs; Dorian visits these to 'buy oblivion' and escape the memory of his sins.

Diction

A writer's specific choice of words, which in this novel reflects the sophisticated language of the British upper class.

PEEL method

A structured format for writing paragraphs in a literary essay, standing for Point, Evidence, Explain, and Link.

Libel

Writing a false statement about someone that damages their reputation; the author Oscar Wilde sued for this but lost his case.