Oscar Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray Discussion Questions

In order to prepare for class discussion, writing assignments, and a paper/test on

this novel, be prepared to answer the questions below.
1.

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7.

Oscar Wilde is known for his commentaries on art and beauty, and this novel
focuses on the moral dilemma of a man obsessed with beauty. Discuss how
the character of Basil Hallward symbolizes both art and morality. How is he
an artist figure and how is he a moral figure in the novel?
Trace the changes that occur in the portrait over time. How does Wilde make
the reader feel that the portrait is in fact magical and not just a figment of
Dorian Grays imagination? Why is it important that Wilde makes this
distinction?
How does aestheticism (the devotion to and pursuit of the beautiful;
sensitivity to artistic beauty and refined taste) apply to the triangular
relationship between Lord Henry, Basil Hallward, and Dorian Gray? Is
aestheticism the basis of each relationship? Explain your answer.
Examine the female characters in the novel. How do they illustrate Lord
Henrys misogyny (woman hating)? Do other elements of the novel and the
rest of the male characters support misogyny, or does Wilde only touch on it
through Lord Henrys character? Support your answer.
During the course of the novel, the reader is made aware of the
counterbalance between the witty and ironic view of Lord Henry and the
serious and straightforward world view of Basil Hallward. Dorian seems to
float back and forth between these two viewpoints. Is Dorians true character
connected more to one world than the other? What about Dorians past
influences this irresolute behavior?
Dorian Gray grows more and more enamored of his own beauty, more and
more interested in the corruption of his own soul. Because of this interest,
Dorian spends years hiding his corruption in the painting. Why does Dorian
decide to destroy the painting at the end of the novel? How is this ironic,
considering the quote above?
Explain how each character is punished for their sins at the end of the novel.
Point out how each man is or is not justly punished for his sins.

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Date:
Additional Questions on Wildes The Picture of Dorian Gray
Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences with at least 2
specific examples from the text. Be prepared for a graded class discussion.
1.

Does Basil retain the correct distance from Dorian when he first begins the
painting?

2. How does Basil allow himself to be drawn out of the sphere of art into life?
How does this relate to what Dorian feels toward Sibyl before her demise?

3.

Defend the following statement: Lord Henrys philosophy of New Hedonism is

paradoxical. Why?

4.

How does art relate to Lord Henrys philosophy of New Hedonism?

5.

Does art supersede life in New Hedonism? Yes or no? Why?

6.

Is it possible for any human to truly live this philosophy? Explain.