The Picture of Dorian Gray - Flashcards

Flashcards summarizing key themes, characters, and events from Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray.

What themes are present in the beginning of The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Vanity, Youth, Corruption.

Who is the protagonist of The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Dorian Gray.

How is Dorian Gray's beauty described?

He is portrayed as innocent, naive, and pure with 'a look of bright, unmarred youth'.

Who serves as a foil to Dorian Gray in the novel?

Lord Henry.

What philosophical viewpoint does Lord Henry represent?

Hedonism.

What does the portrait painted by Basil Hallward symbolize?

It captures Dorian's beauty and serves as a reminder of life's transience and the corrupting influence of desire.

What triggers Dorian's narcissism when he speaks to Lord Henry?

His question 'why must I lose the youth that I have now?' reveals his insecurities.

What does Lord Henry compare beauty to in Chapter 2?

A flower that fades and dies.

What tragic information does Lord Henry learn about Dorian?

Dorian's mother settled for a poor soldier and his father was killed before he was born.

Who is Sibyl Vane?

A young actress that Dorian falls in love with.

How does Sibyl Vane's mother feel about her relationship with Dorian?

She questions his intentions and hopes Sibyl will benefit from Dorian's wealth.

What happens during Sibyl's performance in Chapter 7?

Her performance is terrible, heartbreaking Dorian.

How does Dorian react to Sibyl's declaration of true love?

He realizes he loved her acting more than her as a person and breaks up with her.

What significant outcome follows Sibyl's performance?

Sibyl commits suicide.

How does Lord Henry advise Dorian to react to Sibyl's death?

He suggests he should take it as an artistic representation of undying love.

What does Dorian decide after Sibyl's death?

He accepts a life of eternal youth and pleasure.

How does Dorian feel about Sibyl's death?

He feels it has elevated her into the sphere of art.

What is Basil's reaction to Dorian's changing demeanor?

He blames Lord Henry for Dorian's heartless attitude.

Why does Dorian refuse to allow Basil to exhibit his portrait?

He fears it reveals his obsession and change.

What does Dorian do with the portrait to hide it?

He locks it in the schoolroom covered with satin.

How does the portrait change as Dorian indulges in a hedonistic lifestyle?

It reflects the corruption of his soul while his body remains youthful.

What does Dorian order in response to the Yellow Book's influence?

A dozen copies in different colors to suit his mood.

How does Dorian change as he refers to himself as God-like?

He feels removed from the consequences of his actions.

What does Basil warn Dorian about in Chapter 12?

He advises against his influence leading to negative consequences, emphasizing that sin is visible.

What terrible act does Dorian commit against Basil?

He stabs Basil to death.

Who does Dorian enlist to help dispose of Basil's body?

Alan Campbell.

What visual indication suggests Dorian's soul is corrupt?

The changes in his portrait compared to his youthful façade.

What does Dorian do at the opium dens?

He seeks to forget his sins.

What event causes Dorian to faint during a gathering at his estate?

He sees James Vane's face pressed against the window.

What is Dorian's perception of love by the end of Chapter 17?

He wishes he could love, indicating his inner conflict.

What does Dorian decide to do after seeing the man shot by accident?

He wishes to distance himself from the tragedy.

In Chapter 19, what does Dorian claim to want to reform?

He states he wants to be virtuous and avoid repeating his past mistakes.

What does Lord Henry say to challenge Dorian's moral resolve?

He mocks Dorian's attempts at virtue and affirms that the soul is merely an abstract concept.

What drastic decision does Dorian make with respect to his portrait?

He stabs the portrait in anger, believing he can destroy the evidence of his sins.

What is revealed when the servants break into the room after Dorian's cry?

They find the body of an old man with a knife through his heart, realizing it was Dorian.

What theme is highlighted by Dorian's tragic end?

The consequences of vanity, hedonism, and the pursuit of eternal youth.

What literary device is heavily utilized throughout The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Symbolism, particularly with the portrait representing Dorian's soul.