Dorian Gray Quotes - Aestheticism Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does the quote 'The morality of art consists in the perfect use of an imperfect medium' refer to?

The beauty of life

The concept of hedonism

The nature of art (correct)

The importance of youth

What is Lord Henry's view on the importance of youth?

Youth is the one thing worth having.

What emotion does Lord Henry's use of language in 'When you are old and wrinkled...You will feel it terribly' evoke?

Pain of growing old.

According to Lord Henry, who do not judge by appearances?

Shallow people. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dorian feel about aging?

He is upset by the fact that he will age. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lord Henry express jealousy towards?

Everything whose beauty does not die. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Sybil Vane represent in the quote 'But Juliet!...She was the loveliest thing I had ever seen in my life'?

Youth, vibrancy, and positivity. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lord Henry's stance on sensation?

One could never pay too high a price for any sensation. Signup and view all the answers

What theme does the quote 'He has not yet revealed his name. I think it is quite romantic of him' allude to?

Mystery and secrecy. Signup and view all the answers

How has the portrait influenced Dorian?

It has quickened his appreciation of the personal appearance of other people. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lord Henry consider as the only thing worth having a theory about?

Pleasure. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lord Henry imply about beautiful sins?

They are the privilege of the rich. Signup and view all the answers

How does Basil view love in comparison to art?

Love is a more wonderful thing than art. Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical concept is referenced in 'I knew nothing but shadows...I thought them real...You taught me what reality is'?

Plato's cave. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dorian express in 'You have killed me love'?

He is only interested in Sybil's aesthetic value. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dorian believe about people without art?

Without art, you are nothing. Signup and view all the answers

What can Dorian's statement 'What are you now? A third-rate actress with a pretty face?' imply?

A contradiction to aestheticism. Signup and view all the answers

What is Dorian's reaction upon seeing the portrait?

He started back as if in surprise. Signup and view all the answers

What concerns Dorian about his soul?

He can't stand the idea of his soul being hideous. Signup and view all the answers

What view of life and death does Lord Henry express?

There is something quite beautiful about her death. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aestheticism and Dorian Gray Quotes

Morality of Art: Art's morality is defined by its effective use, even within its inherent imperfections.
Value of Youth: Lord Henry emphasizes youth as the most precious aspect of life, exaggerating its significance.
Hedonistic Pain of Aging: Lord Henry uses emotional language to stress the agony associated with growing old and losing youth.
Judgment by Appearances: A paradoxical assertion by Lord Henry suggests that it's only shallow individuals who disregard appearances, implying beauty holds deeper human significance.
Fear of Aging: Dorian's distress about the inevitability of aging leads to his anxiety about becoming unattractive.
Jealousy of Eternal Beauty: Lord Henry expresses envy towards things whose beauty remains timeless, further influencing Dorian's obsession.
Sybil Vane as Symbol: Sybil Vane's portrayal as Juliet emphasizes youth, vibrancy, and positivity through the use of synecdoche.
Price of Sensation: Lord Henry believes that no price is too high for a sensation, showcasing his hedonistic and materialistic values.
Mystique and Romanticism: The mystery surrounding an unnamed character reflects gothic novel elements and themes of romanticism.
Influence of Portrait: Dorian's perception of others is altered by the portrait, highlighting the significance of appearances in his worldview.
Pleasure as Central Theme: Lord Henry’s assertion places pleasure above all, suggesting it is the utmost pursuit worthy of consideration.
Wealth and Aesthetic Appreciation: According to Lord Henry, the privileged rich possess the capacity to indulge in beautiful sins, which remains inaccessible to others.
Love vs. Art: Basil asserts that love surpasses art in wonder, contrasting Lord Henry's views on aestheticism.
Plato's Cave Allegory: Dorian reflects on the difference between shadows and true reality, likening his previous ignorance to Plato's allegory about perception.
Aesthetic Value of Love: Dorian's declaration following Sybil’s death reveals his fixation on her beauty rather than on genuine love, shaped by Lord Henry’s ideology.
Importance of Art: Dorian equates a person's worth to their aesthetic value, believing lack of art detracts from existence.
Critique of Aestheticism: The question of Dorian's perception of Sybil raises contradictions concerning the values of aestheticism and personal worth.
Shock at Change: Dorian's visceral reaction to his portrait's transformation signifies a profound realization about his moral decay.
Desire for Purity: Dorian's anxiety about the state of his soul showcases his internal struggle to maintain innocence amidst corrupt influences.
Beautiful Death: Lord Henry's acceptance of beauty in death reflects his philosophical perspective on life’s experiences.

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Description

Test your knowledge on key quotes from 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' related to Aestheticism. Dive into the profound views on art, youth, and morality presented in Oscar Wilde's classic. These flashcards will help you grasp the essence of Wilde's aesthetic philosophy.