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Questions and Answers
What does Dorian learn about Lord Henry's marriage?
Lord Henry is unsatisfied in his marriage.
How do Lord Henry's comments about Sibyl Vane exemplify traditional late eighteenth-century notions about gender?
Women were seen as a decorative sex with nothing significant to say.
What comment does Lord Henry unintentionally make about Dorian's masculinity?
Dorian is treated as a decorative entity, similar to how Lord Henry views women.
Where did Dorian meet Sibyl, and what does their meeting reveal about her social class?
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What is Lord Henry's assessment of Dorian's infatuation with Sibyl?
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Study Notes
Dorian and Lady Henry's Conversation
- Dorian learns about the discontent in Lord Henry's marriage, as he states, "Never marry at all, Dorian. Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious, both are disappointed." This highlights a cynical view of marriage.
Gender Perceptions in the 18th Century
- Lord Henry expresses outdated views on women, stating that they lack genius and are merely decorative. He suggests, "Women represent the triumph of matter of mind," indicating a belief that women are inferior to men regarding intellectual capabilities.
Masculinity and Gender Dynamics
- Lord Henry's comments on women reflect on Dorian's own behavior. Dorian is portrayed as passive and aesthetically pleasing, mirroring the idea that women exist to be admired rather than to engage meaningfully.
Social Class and Sibyl Vane
- Dorian meets Sibyl Vane in a small theater, which signifies her status as part of the lower working class. This setting underscores the distinctions in social class within the narrative.
Lord Henry's Perspective on Dorian's Love
- Lord Henry finds Dorian's infatuation with Sibyl intriguing rather than threatening. He notes that Dorian's intense adoration for Sibyl enhances his complexity as a subject of study, indicating a calculation that disregards emotional bonds.
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Description
Explore the complex conversations and themes of gender perceptions in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. This quiz focuses on Lord Henry's cynical views on marriage and women, as well as the portrayal of masculinity and social class through Dorian and Sibyl Vane's interactions. Test your understanding of these societal critiques within the novel.
