The Picture of Dorian Gray

Questions and Answers

Who is Basil Hallward?

An artist who paints the picture of Dorian Gray and a friend of Lord Henry's.

What completely captures Lord Henry Wotton's attention when he visits Hallward's studio?

Basil's painting of Dorian Gray.

What does Basil believe are the only two eras of importance in the world's history?

The appearance of a new medium for art and the appearance of a new personality for art.

Basil believes that his landscape painting is the finest work he's ever done. To what does he attribute this success?

Dorian Gray was sitting next to him when he created the landscape. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Basil give for not wanting to exhibit his painting of Dorian Gray?

He put too much of himself into the painting, and it reveals too much of his secrets. Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't Basil want to introduce Lord Henry to Dorian Gray?

Because he knows that Lord Henry will be a bad influence on him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lord Henry claim is the 'aim of life'?

Self Development Signup and view all the answers

According to Lord Henry, what is 'the only way to get rid of a temptation'?

To yield or give into it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Dorian Gray so desperately wish for that he 'would give [his] soul' to have it come true?

That his portrait would age, and that he would remain untouched by the ugliness of life. Signup and view all the answers

To what does Basil attribute Dorian's negative reaction to his painting?

Because of Lord Henry's negative influence. Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Dorian Gray's father?

His father died during a duel, and it was rumored that Dorian's grandfather set up the duel because he despised Dorian's father. Signup and view all the answers

What exercise does Lord Henry find 'terribly enthralling'?

The act of influencing. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Lord Henry give the Duchess when she asks how she can become young again?

Relive all of the mistakes of her youth. Signup and view all the answers

Who claims that Lord Henry is 'extremely dangerous' yet still wishes to hear more of Henry's 'philosophy of pleasure'?

Mr. Erskine Signup and view all the answers

When Dorian Gray is reminded that he promised to visit Basil Hallward, where does Dorian go instead?

To meet Lord Henry in a park. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Victoria?

Lord Henry's wife. Signup and view all the answers

With whom does Dorian Gray fall in love?

Sibyl Vane. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lord Henry tell Dorian Gray is 'the real secret of life'?

The search for beauty. Signup and view all the answers

To where does Dorian want Henry and Basil to accompany him?

The theater, to watch Sibyl perform Romeo and Juliet. Signup and view all the answers

What news is in the telegram that Lord Henry receives from Dorian?

That Dorian is to be married to Sibyl Vane. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Isaacs do to help Sibyl and her family?

Mr. Isaacs advanced them fifty pounds to pay off their debts, and buy Jim an outfit. Signup and view all the answers

By what name does Sibyl Vane know Dorian Gray?

Prince Charming. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jim demand to know from his mother before he leaves for Australia?

He demands to know if his mother was actually married to his father. Signup and view all the answers

What threat does Jim make regarding 'Prince Charming'?

He swears that if he ever hurts her then he will track him down and kill him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lord Henry say is the 'real drawback to marriage'?

It makes one unselfish. Signup and view all the answers

How does Dorian describe the details of his engagement to Sibyl Vane?

After her performance, he went backstage and talked to her. They kissed, and then she fell on her knees and kissed his hand. He told her he loved her, and she said that he was not worthy to be his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to be 'good,' according to Lord Henry?

To be good is to be in harmony with oneself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

Basil Hallward: An artist and friend of Lord Henry; paints Dorian Gray's portrait, revealing his deep connection to Dorian.
Lord Henry Wotton: A charismatic character with a focus on self-development and pleasure; captures Dorian's attention and influences him negatively.
Dorian Gray: A young man whose portrait ages while he remains youthful; becomes infatuated with Sibyl Vane.
Sibyl Vane: An actress whom Dorian falls in love with; known as "Prince Charming" to her.

Important Themes

Influence and Manipulation: Lord Henry finds the act of influencing others enthralling and intentionally seeks to corrupt Dorian's innocence.
Art and Self: Basil refrains from exhibiting his painting due to the personal secrets it reveals about his feelings for Dorian.
Pursuit of Beauty: Lord Henry teaches Dorian that the "real secret of life" is the search for beauty, shaping Dorian's outlook on life.

Key Plot Points

Lord Henry's fascination with Dorian's portrait sparks his toxic influence over Dorian.
Dorian's wish for his portrait to age instead of himself reveals his fear of aging and desire for eternal youth.
Dorian becomes engaged to Sibyl Vane but does so without formal proposal, showcasing his naïveté and impulsiveness.
Jim, Sibyl's brother, expresses hostility towards Dorian, threatening violence if he harms Sibyl.

Significant Quotes

Lord Henry claims "the only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it," emphasizing his hedonistic philosophy.
Dorian believes he would give his soul for the portrait to take on his age, showcasing his desperation for youth and beauty.

Connections and Relationships

Dorian's relationship with Lord Henry leads to his internal conflict and gradual moral decline.
Basil's protective feelings toward Dorian indicate a deep, possibly romantic, bond that complicates their friendship.
Dorian's superficial engagement with Sibyl becomes a point of contention with her family, displaying the clash of social status and expectations.

Other Notable Elements

Lord Henry's views on marriage depict it as a constraint, leading to a loss of selfishness.
The telegram announcing Dorian's engagement to Sibyl shows the rapid progression of their relationship, underscored by social pressures and familial concerns.
The back-and-forth of Dorian's engagement details reveals his inexperienced and romanticized ideas of love.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first eight chapters of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. This quiz covers key characters, themes, and pivotal moments that shape the story, specifically focusing on Basil Hallward and Lord Henry Wotton. Perfect for students and fans of Oscar Wilde's classic novel.

The Picture of Dorian Gray - Chapters 1-8 Quiz