Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who is Basil Hallward?
Who is Basil Hallward?
Basil Hallward is an artist who painted the portrait of Dorian Gray.
What completely captures Lord Henry Wotton's attention when he visits Hallward's studio?
What completely captures Lord Henry Wotton's attention when he visits Hallward's studio?
Lord Henry Wotton's attention was completely captured by the painting of Dorian Gray.
What reason does Basil give for not wanting to exhibit his painting of Dorian Gray?
What reason does Basil give for not wanting to exhibit his painting of Dorian Gray?
Basil does not want to exhibit his painting because he feels there is too much of himself in the painting and it reveals the secrets of his soul.
What does Basil believe are the only two eras of importance in the world's history?
What does Basil believe are the only two eras of importance in the world's history?
Basil believes that his landscape painting is the finest work he's ever done. To what does he attribute this success?
Basil believes that his landscape painting is the finest work he's ever done. To what does he attribute this success?
Why doesn't Basil want to introduce Lord Henry to Dorian Gray?
Why doesn't Basil want to introduce Lord Henry to Dorian Gray?
What does Lord Henry claim is 'the aim of life'?
What does Lord Henry claim is 'the aim of life'?
According to Lord Henry, what is 'the only way to get rid of a temptation'?
According to Lord Henry, what is 'the only way to get rid of a temptation'?
What does Dorian Gray so desperately wish for that he 'would give [his] soul' to have it come true?
What does Dorian Gray so desperately wish for that he 'would give [his] soul' to have it come true?
To what does Basil attribute Dorian's negative reaction to his painting?
To what does Basil attribute Dorian's negative reaction to his painting?
What happened to Dorian Gray's father?
What happened to Dorian Gray's father?
What exercise does Lord Henry find 'terribly enthralling'?
What exercise does Lord Henry find 'terribly enthralling'?
What advice does Lord Henry give the Duchess when she asks how she can become young again?
What advice does Lord Henry give the Duchess when she asks how she can become young again?
Who claims that Lord Henry is 'extremely dangerous' yet still wishes to hear more of Henry's 'philosophy of pleasure'?
Who claims that Lord Henry is 'extremely dangerous' yet still wishes to hear more of Henry's 'philosophy of pleasure'?
When Dorian Gray is reminded that he promised to visit Basil Hallward, where does Dorian go instead?
When Dorian Gray is reminded that he promised to visit Basil Hallward, where does Dorian go instead?
Who is Victoria?
Who is Victoria?
With whom does Dorian Gray fall in love?
With whom does Dorian Gray fall in love?
What does Lord Henry tell Dorian Gray is 'the real secret of life'?
What does Lord Henry tell Dorian Gray is 'the real secret of life'?
To where does Dorian want Henry and Basil to accompany him?
To where does Dorian want Henry and Basil to accompany him?
What news is in the telegram that Lord Henry receives from Dorian?
What news is in the telegram that Lord Henry receives from Dorian?
Study Notes
Characters and Relationships
- Basil Hallward is an artist who creates the portrait of Dorian Gray, deeply revealing his soul and personal secrets through his artwork.
- Lord Henry Wotton captivates by the portrait of Dorian Gray, leading to significant developments in Dorian's character.
- Dorian Gray's father was killed in a duel, an event tied to Dorian's family's history and influence.
Themes and Philosophy
- Basil refuses to exhibit his painting of Dorian due to its personal significance, fearing it exposes his innermost self.
- Lord Henry promotes the idea that the aim of life is self-development, emphasizing individual exploration and pleasure.
- Lord Henry believes yielding to temptation is the only way to overcome it, highlighting his hedonistic worldview.
Dorian Gray's Desires and Changes
- Dorian expresses a desire for eternal youth, wishing he would give his soul to maintain his youthful appearance forever.
- Dorian initially reacts negatively to his portrait, influenced by Lord Henry's perspectives, which steers his internal conflict.
- Dorian falls in love with Sibyl Vane, an actress, signifying his romantic pursuits and involvement in the theater.
Influence and Consequence
- Basil worries that introducing Lord Henry to Dorian will result in a negative influence on Dorian’s character.
- Lord Henry finds the exercise of influence over others to be enthralling, showcasing his manipulative tendencies.
- Despite cautioning against Lord Henry, Mr. Erskine shows intrigue in Lord Henry’s philosophies regarding pleasure and life.
Plot Developments
- Dorian neglects his promise to visit Basil Hallward, choosing to spend time with Lord Henry instead.
- Dorian invites Basil and Lord Henry to the theater to see Sibyl Vane perform as Juliet, indicating his deepening feelings for her.
- Lord Henry receives a telegram from Dorian revealing he is engaged to Sibyl Vane, marking a pivotal moment in Dorian's life choices.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the first four chapters of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. Test your knowledge on key characters like Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton, along with significant events and themes introduced early in the novel.
