Chapter 1
Who is the artist that paints Dorian Gray's portrait?
Basil Hallward
What color was Queen Victoria’s wedding dress?
White.
What changes did Queen Victoria and Prince Albert introduce to British Christmas celebrations?
They combined German traditions like the Christmas tree with English customs and helped popularize festive family gatherings and decorations.
What is the central supernatural element in the novel?
A portrait that ages and decays while Dorian remains young.
What is Dorian's initial reaction to his portrait?
He is captivated and wishes to remain young forever.
How many children did Queen Victoria have?
Nine.
What were the socio-economic conditions of Britain during the early Victorian era?
Rapid urban population growth led to unsanitary living conditions, widespread disease, and poverty, particularly among the working class.
What theme is explored through Dorian’s obsession with youth and beauty?
The corrupting influence of vanity and superficiality.
Who is Lord Henry Wotton, and how does he influence Dorian?
He is a friend of Basil who introduces Dorian to a hedonistic worldview.
How did Queen Victoria respond to her husband’s death?
Answer: She wore black for the rest of her life.
Who published the theory of evolution during the Victorian era?
Charles Darwin.
How is the concept of the “double life” shown in the novel?
Dorian appears charming and innocent publicly, but lives a life of vice and cruelty privately.
What does Dorian wish for when he sees the portrait?
He wishes that the portrait would age instead of him.
How did Queen Victoria's upbringing under her mother and Sir John Conroy affect her reign?
She was raised in near-isolation, which made her independent and determined to distance herself from them once she became queen.
In what ways did Victorian scientific discoveries challenge traditional religious beliefs?
Discoveries like Darwin’s theory of evolution questioned the literal interpretation of the Bible and sparked debate over science vs. religion.
What does the portrait symbolize in the novel?
Dorian’s soul/conscience and the consequences of his actions.
What does Lord Henry believe is the purpose of life, based on his early dialogue in Chapter 1?
To seek pleasure and beauty, and to avoid the dullness of conventional morality.
When did Queen Victoria die?
1901.
What public health crisis led to the creation of London's underground sewage system?
The Great Stink of 1858.
What is the novel’s attitude toward morality and consequences?
It suggests that denying morality leads to self-destruction, even if consequences are delayed.