Dorian Gray
What is the reaction of Dorian Gray when he sees the portrait after the play of Sibyl?
Dorian is shocked and horrified when he sees that the portrait has changed—the expression on his painted face has become cruel.
What was in Lord Henry’s letter to Dorian?
Lord Henry informed Dorian about Sibyl’s death and asked him to not see anyone until he came.
In what play did Sibyl Vane act at, and what role does she play?
Sibyl Vane plays Juliet in the play of ‘Romeo and Juliet.’
"You are not serious, Dorian?" Who said this phrase? Why did they say it?
The phrase was said by Sibyl after Dorian tells her she killed his love for her.
Correlate this word to what was read: “Altered”
The portrait of Dorian Gray was altered slightly making his smile show a glimpse of cruelty.
How does the reaction of Dorian Gray to what Sibyl did for him reflect upon his feelings for her?
False Love, Admiration, Love for the Character, not Sybil.
What are the two kinds of people Lord Henry finds really fascinating?
Lord Henry finds people who know absolutely nothing and people who know absolutely everything to be really fascinating.
Why did Sibyl act so poorly in her play?
Sibyl Vane was blinded by her love for Dorian making her unable to act since she could not feel the emotions of the roles she played as they are nothing compared to what she felt for Dorian.
“Dorian, you should have understood. But you understand now, don't you?” Who said this phrase? What did they mean by it?
The phrase was spoken by Sibyl Vane after her disastrous performance on stage. She was explaining to Dorian that her love for him had made her unable to act.
What is Basil’s reaction once Lord Henry tells him that Dorian Gray is engaged to be married, and what does he say about the following news?
Basil is shocked upon learning the news, his reaction tells us that he is worried about Dorian marrying someone from a lower class, wondering if this could ruin his intellect. Later on, we can see Basil’s true feelings, with gloom taking over him, feeling a sense of loss, as he could not bear this marriage. Thinking he was going to lose Dorian Gray, he is wrapped into a ball of emotions.
What does Dorian say about marriage and what does he mean by it?
He says it's an irrevocable vow, he means that marriage is a serious, permanent promise that cannot be undone
What does Lord Henry say about Dorian’s portrait and the way this has changed Dorian’s personal views?
He says that the portrait of him has quickened his appreciation of the personal appearance of other people, showing how Dorian’s personal views are slowly changing to another perspective, one based on aesthetics, stereotypes, and physical appearance.
Correlate the word “balcony” to Sibyl Vane.
It was the truest test of her character to see if she could really act or not.
"So I have murdered Sibyl Vane," Analyze the phrase said by Dorian, was what he said true or not? Why?
Whilst Dorian did not directly kill Sibyl Vane, what he said to her the night before shattered her soul.
To what kind of tragedy does Dorian relate Sibyl’s death to?
Greek tragedy
Why does Dorian insist that Sibyl’s love makes him “faithful” and “good”?
Because he feels that loving her helps him stay pure and protects him from becoming selfish or bad. He believes her love brings out the best in him. But he’s more in love with her beauty and acting than with who she really is.
How does Lord Henry explain the life of Sibyl and her characters to Dorian?
He says that Sibyl never lived, but in reality, the characters she played were the ones who lived. The second Sibyl Vane began to live was the second she died. All her life she lived a false life, and when she touched actual life, she died.
What were the things Sibyl could have drunk that made her die according to Lord Henry?
It was either prussic acid or white lead.
”And unselfish people are colourless.” Who said this? Why did they say it?
The phrase was spoken by Lord Henry when he was saying that he is not fond of marriage as marriage is what made people unselfish, and being unselfish deprived them of their individuality.
Explain the difference that Henry gives about real life tragedies and artistic tragedies.
Henry explains that real life tragedies come at use with brute force, they happen so suddenly, in an inartistic manner, which causes us to revolt because of how ugly and vulgar it is. Artistic tragedies on the other hand, possess a beauty to it, that if done right, appeals to our sense of dramatic effect.
What is Dorian’s perspective of the portrait after reflecting on Lord Henry’s words and his own thoughts?
He believes that the portrait is a perfect mirror of himself, it shows his soul and beauty, and he can also use it to remain eternally youthful. No matter what dark or evil things he does, it will be etched into the portrait, and not on himself.
What does Lord Henry believe about optimism?
Lord Henry says that optimism comes from fear. People try to be hopeful and kind, not because they truly believe in goodness, but because they are afraid of facing their own flaws or mistakes. By focusing on the good in others, they avoid thinking about the bad in themselves. It makes them feel safer and less guilty.
How is Sibyl portrayed by Dorian when he is at dinner with Lord Henry and Basil?
Dorian romanticizes Sibyl by emphasizing her physical beauty, ethereal acting, and emotional vulnerability. He sees her more as a symbol of art and idealized femininity than as a real person. Showing that his love is more about the fantasy she represents than a real emotional connection, revealing his immature and aesthetic-driven perception of love, due to the influence of Lord Henry
“But think of Dorian’s birth, and position, and wealth. It would be absurd for him to marry so much beneath him.” How does this reflect the values and class consciousness of Victorian society? In what ways might this comment be considered superficial?
This shows that in Victorian society, people were expected to marry someone from your same class. Lord Henry is saying that because Dorian is wealthy and high-born, it would be "absurd" for him to marry someone poor or from a lower background. It can be considered superficial since it judges a person's worth based only on their social position, not on their character, feelings, or connection with others. Lord Henry’s comment is superficial because he only cares about Sibyl’s low social class, not her personality or Dorian’s feelings for her.
To what object of Basil’s studio does Dorian Gray compare Sibyl with?
A Tanagra figurine