The Picture of Dorian Gray Discussion Questions for Chapters 1 - 3 PDF

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Summary

Discussion Questions over the main themes and symbols in The Picture of Dorian Gray....

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The Picture of Dorian Gray Review of Chapters One – Three 1. Take a careful look at the garden imagery used in these first few chapters. How is the garden described? How is it compared to the Basil’s studio? What plot event(s) occurs in the garden? What do you make of all of this? Why a garden?

A place of discussion of beauty – allusion/metaphor/symbol of beauty = temporary beauty, which connects to Henry’s describes of beauty of Dorian = it decays eventually – Henry later destroys two flowers by picking off their petals – he compares Dorian to a flower = seems foreshadowing and ominous Theme- Unable to bear ones beauty. Garden is the way Dorian feels about Basil = garden is vibrant and full of life like how Henry opens Dorian’s eyes to a new way of experiencing life; the studio is familiar, comforting, but truths are withheld.

2. Obviously, the portrait plays an important role in the story. Wilde uses it, on one hand, to make readers question exactly how much influence a work of art can have on a person. Examine the influence(s) this portrait has on its creator, Basil. How does he feel about it as a work of art? As a reflection of self? As a work to exhibit? What about the portrait’s influence on Dorian? When he sees the finished piece, how does it influence him? Dorian hates it because it reminds him that he will age – doesn’t want it destroyed “murder” = personification – first time that he is aware of his own beauty and youth. Harry wants to keep it for display = all about that Beauty. Basil knows its his best work but it contains too much of himself/ his soul – he is willing to sacrifice his art for his “friend”.

3. Examine the feelings Basil has for Dorian. Find two or three quotations that suggest these feelings go beyond friendship (and verge on idolization/romance).

Considerate of Dorians emotions/feelings “I couldn’t be happy if I didn’t see him every day. He is absolutely necessary to me.” =romantic in natured- feelings go beyond mere friendship-relationship is deeper to Basil Chapter one =feelings of shame for the deep connection to Dorian =historical time period would not have celebrated this time of connection and relationship – tries to run away from his feelings (Chapter One)

4. Throughout this reading, Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian is obvious. Find three quotations or incidents in the text that support the idea that Dorian is changing as a result of Lord Henry’s influence.

Dorian begins to worry about things that he had never considered before (age, beauty, meaning of life, how to live his life. Etc.) -realizes he is beautiful, and that time will alter it – only beautiful for a short amount of time – because he is ruder, more judgmental, more shallow Basil notices the shift in Dorian in chapter two and weeps for what he and Dorian are losing as Henry takes more control of Dorian’s time – Basil foreshadows this influence in chapter one when he instructs Henry to not toy with Dorian – flower imagery and symbolism in chapter= Henry alters and destroys the flower (Dorian)

5. Are there any interesting quotations or points of discussion that you found that you would like to share?...