Study Guide, Exercises of Painting

Download Study Guide and more Exercises Painting in PDF only on Docsity! STUDY GUIDE THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Eve \ > ba 7 ; 3 av Wena - | // (i i Ui OSCAR WILDE Preface Summary: A series of statements or epigrams about the nature of art and artists ending with “All art is quite useless.” Discussion Questions: 1. Consider why the author would choose to start the novel in this way. 2. Do you agree with the final sentence of the preface? Explain your answer by referring to specific works of art. Chapter 3 Summary: *Note – this chapter was not part of the original text and was added, along with five other chapters, in a later edition. Lord Henry visits his uncle to see if he can get information about Dorian’s family background. He learns of Dorian’s rather tragic past. He is an orphan and was left in the guardianship of an awful grandfather. Lord Henry attends a luncheon at his aunt’s house, where he amuses the crowd with his witticisms. Dorian Gray is there and they leave together. Dorian seems just as intrigued by Lord Henry as Lord Henry is with him. He abandons his promise to visit Basil. Discussion Questions: 1. How does learning about Dorian’s family history help the reader understand his personality and his reaction to Lord Henry? 2. What does this chapter reveal about the Victorian take on morality? Useful Quotes: … as the nineteenth century has gone bankrupt through an over- expenditure of sympathy, I would suggest that we should appeal to science to put us straight. The advantage of the emotions is that they lead us astray, and the advantage of science is that it is not emotional." “There was something terribly enthralling in the exercise of influence… To project one's soul into some gracious form, … to hear one's own intellectual views echoed back to one with all the added music of passion and youth; to convey one's temperament into another as though it were a subtle fluid or a strange perfume: there was a real joy in that…” Chapter 4 Summary: This chapter takes place a month later. We meet Lord Henry’s wife, Victoria. She comes in to speak to Dorian as he waits for Lord Henry and she seems to be as disinterested in her husband and he claims to be in her. When Lord Henry arrives Dorian tells him of his love for a young actress, Sibyl Vane. Dorian has been watching her perform every night and wants Lord Henry to come and watch her the following night. Later that evening Lord Henry receives a telegram from Dorian saying he is engaged to Sibyl. Discussion Questions: 1. Considering what we know about Lord Henry’s tastes and habits, why is his wife a surprise to the reader? 2. Why is it not surprising that Dorian falls in love with an actress? 3. What does this chapter reveal about Lord Henry’s views on women? Useful Quotes: “My dear boy, no woman is a genius. Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals.” "I am not laughing, Dorian; at least I am not laughing at you. But you should not say the greatest romance of your life. You should say the first romance of your life. You will always be loved, and you will always be in love with love. A grande passion is the privilege of people who have nothing to do. That is the one use of the idle classes of a country. Don't be afraid. There are exquisite things in store for you. This is merely the beginning." Chapter 5 Summary: This scene takes place in Sibyl’s house. We meet her mother and her brother and find out that they live in poverty. The theatre manager, Mr Isaacs, has given Sibyl’s family an advance of money. Sibyl is smitten with Dorian, whom she calls “Prince Charming”. Her brother warn her against falling in love too quickly and is sceptical of Dorian’s motives. Her mother is more concerned with their precarious financial situation. James, who is a sailor, is about to leave for Australia. Discussion Questions: 1. What is significant about James’s threat of revenge on Dorian should he hurt Sibyl? 2. Do you think that Sibyl’s financial and social circumstances make her a suitable match for Dorian? Useful Quotes: "’I wish I had, for as sure as there is a God in heaven, if he ever does you any wrong, I shall kill him.’ She looked at him in horror. He repeated his words. They cut the air like a dagger.” “As for Sibyl, I do not know at present whether her attachment is serious or not. But there is no doubt that the young man in question is a perfect gentleman. He is always most polite to me. Besides, he has the appearance of being rich, and the flowers he sends are lovely … He has not yet revealed his real name. I think it is quite romantic of him. “ Chapter 8 Summary: Dorian sleeps late and wakes up as resolute as the previous night. He writes a letter to Sibyl. However, a visit from Lord Henry reveals that Sibyl has committed suicide. At first Dorian is wracked with guilt and feels both sad and angry. Somehow Lord Henry manages to convince Dorian that Sibyl has made a beautiful sacrifice like one of the heroines she so expertly played. Dorian is placated and they make plans to attend the opera that evening. He briefly considers trying to go back on his bargain regarding the painting. Instead he decides to keep it and observe the decay of his soul. All that really matters to him is his physical beauty. Discussion Questions: 1. Lord Henry’s main concern is that Dorian not get mixed up in Sibyl’s death. What does this reveal about his priorities? 2. Is there a significance in the method Sibyl used to kill herself? 3. How do you feel about Dorian’s ability to move on so quickly? 4. In what way does his final decision about the portrait reveal the change in his nature? Useful Quotes: “For a moment, he thought of praying that the horrible sympathy that existed between him and the picture might cease. … And yet, who, that knew anything about life, would surrender the chance of remaining always young” “For there would be a real pleasure in watching it. He would be able to follow his mind into its secret places. This portrait would be to him the most magical of mirrors. As it had revealed to him his own body, so it would reveal to him his own soul. And when winter came upon it, he would still be standing where spring trembles on the verge of summer… Not one blossom of his loveliness would ever fade. Not one pulse of his life would ever weaken….What did it matter what happened to the coloured image on the canvas? He would be safe. That was everything. Chapter 9 Summary: Basil hears of Sibyl’s death and is genuinely saddened and concerned for his friend. Dorian, however, is thoroughly untroubled and his reaction shocks Basil. We discover that Dorian is safe as no one in Sibyl’s family knows his real name. Basil promises to never mention her again. Their conversation moves on to the portrait, which makes Dorian nervous. Basil asks if Dorian has noted “something curious” but is only concerned that Dorian has realised how much Basil adores him. Dorian thinks he may know about the changed portrait. He refuses to show Basil the painting and will not allow it to be exhibited. He makes arrangements for it to be moved. Useful Questions: 1. Ironically, Basil states that Dorian looks changed. Why can he see Dorian more clearly than others? 2. What does this chapter reveal about Dorian’s nature? (compare his reaction to Sibyl’s death to Basil’s reaction) Useful Quotes: "Dorian, this is horrible! Something has changed you completely. You look exactly the same wonderful boy who, day after day, used to come down to my studio to sit for his picture. But you were simple, natural, and affectionate then. You were the most unspoiled creature in the whole world. Now, I don't know what has come over you. You talk as if you had no heart, no pity in you. It is all Harry's influence. I see that." … "I owe a great deal to Harry, Basil," he said at last, "more than I owe to you. You only taught me to be vain." "Well, I am punished for that, Dorian -- or shall be some day." Chapter 10 Summary: Dorian calls on Mr Hubbard and his workmen to help move the portrait up to the abandoned schoolroom on the top floor. He sends his servant away and keeps the painting covered at all times. He asks Lord Henry for a book and with the book, Henry sends a newspaper with the results of the inquiry into Sibyl’s death. He is in no way linked. He becomes absorbed in the novel to distract himself from the news. Discussion Questions: 1. What does Dorian’s secrecy around the portrait reveal about his state of mind? 2. Why is it ironic that Dorian would store the evidence of his soul’s corruption is his schoolroom? Useful Quotes: “He shuddered, and for a moment he regretted that he had not told Basil the true reason why he had wished to hide the picture away. Basil would have helped him to resist Lord Henry's influence, and the still more poisonous influences that came from his own temperament….Yes, Basil could have saved him. But it was too late now. The past could always be annihilated. Regret, denial, or forgetfulness could do that. But the future was inevitable. There were passions in him that would find their terrible outlet, dreams that would make the shadow of their evil real.” “It was a poisonous book. The heavy odour of incense seemed to cling about its pages and to trouble the brain.” “He had the key, and no one else could enter it. Beneath its purple pall, the face painted on the canvas could grow bestial, sodden, and unclean. What did it matter? No one could see it. He himself would not see it. Why should he watch the hideous corruption of his soul? He kept his youth -- that was enough.” Chapter 13 Summary: Once in the schoolroom, Dorian reveals the picture and Basil is horrified. He has to find his signature on the portrait in order to believe it is his painting of Dorian. Emotions are running high. Basil suggests that they pray for Dorian’s forgiveness but Dorian is overcome with anger and stabs Basil, killing him. Dorian is initially flustered but regains his calm and creates an alibi for himself by leaving the house and knocking on the door for his manservant to let him in. Discussion Questions: 1. Why do you think Dorian chose to show Basil the painting, after guarding it so closely for so long? 2. What does Dorian’s reaction to the murder tell us about the alteration of his character? Useful Quotes: "’Each of us has heaven and hell in him, Basil," cried Dorian with a wild gesture of despair.” “An exclamation of horror broke from the painter's lips as he saw in the dim light the hideous face on the canvas grinning at him. There was something in its expression that filled him with disgust and loathing. Good heavens! it was Dorian Gray's own face that he was looking at! “ “It was some foul parody, some infamous ignoble satire. He had never done that. Still, it was his own picture. He knew it, and he felt as if his blood had changed in a moment from fire to sluggish ice.” “How quickly it had all been done! He felt strangely calm, and, walking over to the window, opened it, and stepped out onto the balcony.” “He did not even glance at the murdered man… The friend who had painted the fatal portrait to which all his misery had been due had gone out of his life.” Chapter 14 Summary: Dorian wakes up and, as he remembers the murder, he feels sorry for himself. He organises for a letter to be sent to Alan Campbell who he plans to ask to get rid of the body. Alan initially refuses as there is obviously bad blood between the two men. However, Dorian resorts to blackmail and Alan agrees. Alan is a scientist and ostensibly uses some sort of acid to make the corpse disappear. Discussion Questions: 1. We are not told what took place between Alan and Dorian. Make a few suggestions as to what could have transpired between to cause such enmity. Useful Quotes: “Gradually the events of the preceding night crept with silent blood- stained feet into his brain, and reconstructed themselves there with terrible distinctness. He winced at the memory of all that he had suffered, and for a moment the same curious feeling of loathing for Basil Hallward, that had made him kill him as he sat in the chair, came back to him, and he grew cold with passion. The dead man was still sitting there, too, and in the sunlight now. How horrible that was! Such hideous things were for the darkness, not for the day.” “’You have saved me from ruin, Alan. I cannot forget that,’ said Dorian, simply.” Chapter 15 Summary: Dorian attends a party that evening and sees Lord Henry there. He does not confide in Lord Henry and reacts strangely when Henry asks where he was the previous evening. He apologises for his overreaction and makes a hasty exit. When he gets home he burns Basil’s coat and bag. He takes a substance, probably opium, and then prepares to leave the house again - dressed as a commoner. Discussion Questions: 1. Account for Dorian’s choice of dress as he sets out for his destination. 2. Discuss the signs that Dorian’s state of mind is deteriorating. Useful Quotes: "Ah, my dear," cried Lady Narborough, putting on her gloves, "don't tell me that you have exhausted life. When a man says that one knows that life has exhausted him. Lord Henry is very wicked, and I sometimes wish that I had been; but you are made to be good -- you look so good." “Certainly no one looking at Dorian Gray that night could have believed that he had passed through a tragedy as horrible as any tragedy of our age. Those finely shaped fingers could never have clutched a knife for sin, nor those smiling lips have cried out on God and goodness. He himself could not help wondering at the calm of his demeanour, and for a moment felt keenly the terrible pleasure of a double life.” “As he drove back to his own house he was conscious that the sense of terror he thought he had strangled had come back to him. Lord Henry's casual questioning had made him lose his nerves for the moment, and he wanted his nerve still.” Chapter 18 Summary: The day after his collapse, Dorian is too disturbed to leave the house. A few days later, on a hunting excursion, a man is shot by accident. It is assumed that he is a beater. Dorian is horrified by the incident. Lord Henry feels more sympathy for the man who shot him as it has ruined their hunting trip. Dorian thinks the incident is a bad omen. Later that evening it is revealed that the man is not a beater, but an outsider, possibly a sailor. Dorian identified the body as James Vane and is overcome with tears of relief. Discussion Questions: 1. Discuss the significance of Lord Henry and Dorian’s different response to the death in this chapter. 2. Is it possible for the reader to feel sympathy with Dorian at this stage in the novel? 3. Why is Dorian so terrified of dying? (apart from the obvious!) Useful Quotes: “The next day he did not leave the house, and, indeed, spent most of the time in his own room, sick with a wild terror of dying, and yet indifferent to life itself. The consciousness of being hunted, snared, tracked down, had begun to dominate him… When he closed his eyes, he saw again the sailor's face peering through the mist- stained glass, and horror seemed once more to lay its hand upon his heart.” "I have no terror of death. It is the coming of death that terrifies me. Its monstrous wings seem to wheel in the leaden air around me. Good heavens! don't you see a man moving behind the trees there, watching me, waiting for me?" Chapter 19 Summary: This chapter brings a few plot lines to a close. Alan Campbell has committed suicide. Basil’s disappearance has come to light. Lord Henry’s wife has left him for a pianist. Dorian is talking to Lord Henry and says he is going to be good. He fell in love with a country girl but left her before corrupting her. He resists Henry’s persistent praise and continues to say he is going to be good. He was corrupted by the yellow book but is going to change. Lord henry comments that art cannot influence us. Discussion Questions: 1. Examine Lord Henry and Dorian closely as we see them in this chapter. In what way has each of them changed? In what ways are they the same? 2. Do you believe that Dorian’s quest for goodness is possible at this stage? Useful Quotes: “To get back my youth I would do anything in the world, except take exercise, get up early, or be respectable. Youth! There is nothing like it. It's absurd to talk of the ignorance of youth. The only people to whose opinions I listen now with any respect are people much younger than myself. They seem in front of me. Life has revealed to them her latest wonder.” “’My dear boy," said Lord Henry, smiling, "anybody can be good in the country. There are no temptations there. That is the reason why people who live out of town are so absolutely uncivilized. Civilization is not by any means an easy thing to attain to. There are only two ways by which man can reach it. One is by being cultured, the other by being corrupt.” "The world has cried out against us both, but it has always worshipped you. It always will worship you. You are the type of what the age is searching for, and what it is afraid it has found. I am so glad that you have never done anything, never carved a statue, or painted a picture, or produced anything outside of yourself! Life has been your art. You have set yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets." Chapter 20 Summary: As Dorian walks back from Henry’s house, he contemplates what Henry said. He realises that anyone who could implicate him in Basil’s death is dead. At home he wonders if he can change and if his treatment of Hetty could be the beginning of his redemption. He looks at himself in the mirror and becomes angry and smashes it. He curses his preoccupation with youth. He hopes that his goodness to Hetty has made a positive change to the portrait, but it has not. He realises that the picture acts as a sort of conscious and decides to destroy it to erase evidence of his crimes. He stabs the painting. His servants and people on the street hear a terrible scream and rush upstairs to find an old, disfigured man with a knife in the heart. The portrait has been restored to its former beauty. The only way they are able to identify the ugly corpse as Dorian is by seeing his rings. Discussion Questions: 1. Explain why there was no evidence of improvement in the painting. 2. Discuss whether you are satisfied with this ending. How would you have chosen to end the novel? 3. What does this ending suggest about Dorian’s connection with the painting? Useful Quotes: "Then he loathed his own beauty, and flinging the mirror on the floor, crushed it into silver splinters beneath his heel. It was his beauty that had ruined him, his beauty and the youth that he had prayed for. But for those two things, his life might have been free from stain… Youth had spoiled him." “He knew that he had tarnished himself, filled his mind with corruption and given horror to his fancy; that he had been an evil influence to others, and had experienced a terrible joy in being so; and that of the lives that had crossed his own, it had been the fairest and the most full of promise that he had brought to shame. But was it all irretrievable? Was there no hope for him? “