Flashcards for The Picture of Dorian Gray

Flashcards to help prepare for the Grade 12 English Home Language Literature exam based on the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

What is Gothic fiction?

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

What is Aestheticism?

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

What is Hedonism?

A philosophy that means to pursue sensual pleasure and satisfying desires as the aim of human life.

Name three character traits of Dorian Gray.

Self-centered (narcissistic), destructive, lacks intellectual depth, and focuses only on things he considers beautiful.

What is Basil Hallward’s profession?

An artist who is obsessed with Dorian’s beauty and paints the fatal portrait.

Describe Lord Henry Wotton.

A hedonistic member of London’s aristocratic society, known as ‘Prince Paradox,’ who has a bad influence on Dorian and uses him as a social experiment.

Describe Sybil Vane.

Young actress, beautiful, naïve, and poor. She commits suicide after Dorian breaks off their engagement.

Why is James Vane suspicious of Dorian Gray?

He is very protective of Sybil and vows to kill anyone who hurts his sister.

What is the significance of the portrait in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

It symbolizes how corrupt Dorian becomes as he chooses to live a life inspired only by his own desires and pleasures; the portrait ages and reflects the ugliness of Dorian’s soul.

What does the 'yellow book' symbolize in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

It contributes to Dorian's descent into corruption and is described as bound in yellow paper, the cover slightly torn and the edges soiled.

In the context of The Picture of Dorian Gray, what do flowers symbolize?

Beauty and how briefly it lasts, a reminder of Dorian’s constant wish to remain young and beautiful forever.

What do the furniture and fabrics symbolize in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Dorian's easy and comfortable life, propped up by the luxuries he can so easily buy. The aesthetic beauty of his surroundings forms a contrast with the ugly depravity of his life.

What is the symbolic meaning of red and white in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

White symbolizes purity and innocence, while red is a symbol of blood.

What is epigram?

Lord Henry’s use of paradoxical (confusing) manner of speaking in a humorous manner using words that sound lovely and clever.

What is a Faustian theme?

Tale where Faust sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power.

What does the portrait reveal about the duality of human nature?

Symbolizes the contrast between Dorian's outer beauty and inner decay, reflecting his moral corruption and the burden of his sins.

What does Dorian's unchanging appearance symbolize?

Dorian's unchanging appearance represents his attempt to escape the consequences of his actions and the natural aging process, highlighting themes of vanity and the superficiality of beauty.

How does 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' incorporate the Faustian theme?

This refers to the theme of sacrificing one's soul for worldly gain or eternal youth, mirroring Dorian's pact with the portrait to maintain his beauty at the expense of his morality.

What role does Lord Henry play in Dorian's moral corruption?

Lord Henry serves as a tempter figure who introduces Dorian to hedonistic philosophies, corrupting his innocence and leading him down a path of moral decay.

What does Sybil Vane represent in the novel?

Sybil embodies innocence and purity, representing the beauty and fragility of genuine love and talent, which are destroyed by Dorian's selfishness and pursuit of pleasure.

What is the significance of James Vane's pursuit of Dorian?

James Vane's pursuit of Dorian symbolizes the consequences of Dorian's actions and serves as a moral avenger, highlighting the themes of justice and retribution.

What is the consequence of living a life dedicated to pleasure in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'?

The pursuit of pleasure without regard for morality leads to corruption and destruction, as seen in Dorian's descent into depravity and the eventual tragic consequences.

What is the central conflict explored in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'?

The story explores the conflict between outward beauty and inner morality, suggesting that true beauty lies in moral integrity and that unchecked vanity leads to decay and ruin.

What is psychological realism?

A literary technique that emphasizes the interior characterization of characters to reveal the various psychological aspects of human behavior.

What is the main theme of the preface of The Picture of Dorian Gray?

The main themes in the preface are art, beauty, morality, and the role of the artist.

What is the relationship between art and morality, as explored in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

The novel argues that art and morality are distinct, as Basil's moral worship of Dorian leads to the creation of a mesmerizing portrait, while Dorian's own moral decay leads to the portrait's disfigurement.

What is the role of influence and temptation in shaping Dorian's character?

Lord Henry's cynical worldview and hedonistic philosophy heavily influence Dorian, leading him to prioritize pleasure and disregard morality, ultimately contributing to his corruption.

What is the significance of social class and aristocracy in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

The novel critiques the superficiality and moral decay of the upper class, highlighting the decadence and hypocrisy prevalent in aristocratic society, as characters prioritize pleasure and status over genuine morality and integrity.

How does the novel explore the relationship between appearance and reality?

The novel explores the deceptive nature of appearances, contrasting Dorian's unblemished exterior with the corruption of his soul, suggesting that true character lies beneath the surface and that appearances can be deceiving.

What is the philosophical significance of aestheticism in The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Aestheticism emphasizes the pursuit of beauty and sensory pleasures as the highest values in life, the novel questions the consequences of prioritizing aesthetics over