The Picture of Dorian Gray (1-10)

What is Lord Henry's opinion on the nature of influence?

"'There is no such thing as a good influence, Mr. Gray. All influence is immoral'" (13).

To what extent does Lord Henry's discussion of society reflect Wilde's criticism of Victorian culture?

"'The aim of life is self-development. To realize one's nature perfectly—that is what each of us is here for'" (13).

Wilde was a big believer in the Aestheticism movement—Art for art's sake. Wilde believes that Victorian culture is lacking self-development.

Why is Dorian upset when Basil finally finishes the portrait?

He recognizes extraordinary beauty and youth but is terrified of one day losing it. He's petrified that he'll lose everything if he loses his beauty and youth.

What type of relationship with Dorian does Lord Henry want to create after learning of Dorian's heritage and past?

"Yes; he would try to be to Dorian Gray what, without knowing it, the lad was to the painter who fashioned the wonderful portrait... He would make that wonderful spirit his own" (27).

He wants to be a mentor to Dorian, he wants Dorian to be his muse.

When Dorian talks to Lady Henry, what does Dorian learn about Lord Henry's marriage?

"'Never marry at all Dorian. Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious: both are disappointed'" (34).

Lord Henry is unsatisfied in his marriage.

How does the setting of the novel change at the onset of Chapter 5?

It changes from Lord Henry's point of view to Sibyl's.

What are Sibyl's mother's hopes in regard to "Prince Charming"?

What do the hopes of Sibyl's mother reveal about her character?

She hopes he is one of the aristocracy.

She could be considered thinking of what's best for her daughter, as marrying to a rich man would get her out of poverty; Or she's thinking selfishly in the case that money is all that matters.

What is James Vane's prophetic promise in regard to "Prince Charming"?

"'If he ever does you any wrong, I shall kill him'" (50).

What does Lord Henry mean when he states that being married and being engaged are two entirely different things?

What does Lord Henry reveal about his attitude toward women when he discusses Dorian's engagement with Dorian and Basil?

"'I have a distinct remembrance of being married, but I have no recollection at all of being engaged. I am inclined to think that I never was engaged'" (53).

He's stating that they won't feel the same.

"'Being adored is a nuisance. Women treat us just as Humanity treats its gods. They worship us, and are always bothering us to do something for them'" (57).

Why is Basil concerned when he first hears about Dorian's engagement?

He's worried that Sibyl may "'degrade his nature and ruin his intellect'" (53).

How does Sibyl's performance affect Dorian, Lord Henry, and Basil?

Dorian grew pale, he was puzzled and anxious.

Neither of the two other men said anything for a bit, but afterwards Henry said that "'She is quite beautiful, Dorian...but she can't act. Let us go'" (61).

"Basil afterwards responds with "'My dear Dorian, I should think Miss Vane was ill...We will come some other night'" (61).

What is Sibyl's explanation for acting so badly?

What is Dorian's reaction to Sibyl's explanation for her bad acting?

It's because Dorian has become her new reality, not the stage.

"'You have killed my love'" (63). He no longer loves her.

What change does Dorian notice about his portrait when he returns home?

The expression is different, a little crueler.

Why is it psychologically necessary for Dorian to write a long letter of apology to Sibyl?

"It had made him conscious how unjust, how cruel, he had been to Sibyl Vane. It was not too late to make reparation for that. She could still be his wife. His unreal and selfish love would yield to some higher influence, would be transformed into some nobler passion... " (70).

"When we blame ourselves we feel that no one else has a right to blame us. It is the confession, not the priest, that gives us absolution. When Dorian finished the letter, he felt that he had been forgiven" (70).

Why does Dorian call Sibyl's suicide "selfish"?

"'You don't know the danger I'm in, and there is nothing to keep me straight. She would have done that for me. She had no right to kill herself'" (72).

He thinks that because of Sibyl's suicide, he is now in danger.

How does Lord Henry help Dorian come to terms with Sibyl's death?

He convinces Dorian to look at it through an artistic lens, saying that "the girl never really lived, and so she never really died" (75). Sybil was an artistic symbol, not a real woman, so her death should be taken artistically, according to Lord Henry.

What prevents Basil from believing that Dorian attended the opera, and what does his disbelief reveal about Basil's character?

"'You went to the opera while Sibyl Vane was lying dead in sordid longing? You can talk to me of other women being charming, and of Patti singing divinely, before the girl you loved has even the quiet of a grave to sleep in"? (79)

Basil thought he couldn't be at the opera because Dorian was (should) be grieving over his love's death. This reveals that Basil holds moral obligations to a much higher standard than Dorian or Lord Henry.

What does Dorian's decision not to "allow" Basil to save him help characterize Dorian?

"There were passions in him that would find their terrible outlet, dreams that would make the shadow of their evil real" (87).

What does Dorian resolve to do with the painting?

He resolves to put it into the old schoolroom and leave it leaning against a wall where no one, not even himself, can see it.