Study Guide, Dorian Gray, Ch. 1-10 (I-X)

The term 'male chauvinsim' is a 20th century invention--what does it say on page 81 in which Dorian expresses that type of prejudice?

"Besides, women were better suited to bear sorrow than men....They only thought of their emotions."

The omniscient narrator identifies the irony in Basil's concept of Dorian--what is it?

"There was so much in him that was good, so much in him that was noble," but now that is only his appearance when he was painted

How is Lady Victoria Henry described?

A "curious woman," romantic by nature, and her marriage to Lord Henry seems remote and cold, each pursuing individual interests and pleasures, rather than engaging in anything beyond a socially respectable marriage

Why is the portrait something of a doppelganger?

A doppelganger is a haunting double of a living person, and the picture is an evil version of Dorian's soul

What prediction does Basil Hallward make about Lord Henry, Dorian, and himself?

All of them will suffer terribly: Lord Henry because of his rank and wealth, Dorian because of his good looks, and Hallward because of his brain

What is Lord Henry saying when he states that, "Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals"?

Another funny Wilde saying that tells us that women are not that smart, and men do things that are morally wrong in spite of knowing better

The book begins by discussing the philosophy of Aestheticism--what is it?

Based on the idea of "art for art's sake," this philosophy suggests that evil and decadence can be a source of art and beauty, not just morality--just like THIS book is inspired the decadence of Dorian which leads to a bad end

What does Basil say about Lord Henry's promise to try and convince Lord Henry not to influence Dorian in a bad way?

Basil Hallward says that he trusts Lord Henry, to which Lord Henry responds that he wishes he could trust himself

What is Basil's secret reason for not wanting to exhibit the painting?

Basil admits what he told Lord Henry previously, that he put too much of himself into the portrait, but indicates he was guilty of idolatry of Dorian's youth and beauty

What role does Lord Henry play in the relationship among the three men?

Basil and Dorian have been friends for some time, though Dorian has not been much affected by this friendship--Basil has been deeply affected as an artist by Dorian, however, and Lord Henry has begun immediately to influence Dorian and almost drive him away from Basil

What awkward confrontation occurs between Basil and Dorian in Ch. IX?

Basil asks Dorian to sit for him again, and Dorian refuses, resulting in a heated discussion that culminates in Dorian refusing Basil to look at the portrait again

Why does Basil not want Lord Henry to meet Dorian?

Basil considers Dorian his dearest friend, and doesn't want Lord Henry's cynical nature to lead Dorian astray and become a bad influence on him

According to Basil, how has Dorian affected his work as an artist?

Basil considers two elements important in history: a new medium for art, and a new personality for art--meeting Dorian has resulted in him seeing things differently

To whom does the painting belong?

Basil gives it to Dorian after Dorian tells him that the painting is a part of himself

How is Basil affected by Lord Henry's effect on Dorian?

Basil is concerned and worried, as Dorian is rather innocent, and Basil thinks that Lord Henry's views will influence Dorian in a negative way

Who is Basil Hallward?

Basil is the artist friend of both Lord Henry and Dorian, and he is devoted to his pursuit of painting as an artistic expression, as well as being a voice of reason for Dorian

What promise does Basil refer to at the end of Ch. II?

Basil refers to his attempt to have Lord Henry promise not to be a bad influence on Dorian, but Lord Henry states that he has forgotten any such promise

Why does Dorian not understand Basil's desire to exhibit the portrait?

Basil said he didn't want to exhibit it before the public, so Dorian cannot understand why he wants to now

What awkward situation arises when Basil Hallward wants to work on the portrait?

Basil wants Lord Henry to leave so he can paint Dorian's picture, but Lord Henry cleverly insinuates himself by having Dorian insist he stay

What is Lord Henry's definition of "good"?

Being in harmony with oneself

What do Basil and Lord Henry do? What does Dorian do at the intermission?

Both men leave, and Dorian insists on staying for the entire performance

Why does Wilde make references to Caliban in the Preface of the book?

Caliban is the ugly, inhuman spirit of evil in Shakespeare's "The Tempest," referenced perhaps because the Victorians did not like the way realism exposed ugliness, preferring the way romanticism hid the truth in beauty

Where is Ch. V set, and why?

Chapter 5 is set in the quarters of Sibyl Vane, so the reader can see how they are much poorer, and can see her relationship with Dorian through her eyes

When Lord Henry says, "...the one charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties"--what does this reveal about him?

Clearly, this is the opposite position that a person with a strong moral code might take, so one can assume that Lord Henry's moral code is suspect

Who is the protagonist of the book?

Dorian Gray

What plans do the three make for the evening?

Dorian and Lord Henry are going to the theater, and Dorian insists he must go, despite Basil's begging plea for him not to go with Lord Henry

Why is Basil won over by Dorian, and by what logic?

Dorian convinces Basil that they should remain friends, that Basil is a better person than Lord Henry, who is also his friend

How does Dorian act when Basil comes to see him in Ch. IX?

Dorian drinks wine, speaking in a bored voice that reminds Basil of Lord Henry, and remarks that if one doesn't discuss something, it's like it never happened

How does Dorian assess friendship with Basil in Ch. IX?

Dorian feels pity for Basil, and wonders if he himself could ever be so fully dominated by another, not seeing the dominance of Lord Henry over himself

How does Dorian respond to Lord Henry's explanation of the affair?

Dorian feels that Lord Henry is truly a friend, and the only one who understands him, even though Lord Henry has no connection to the lives of real people

What contrast does Lord Henry make between Basil and Dorian?

Dorian is fair and beautiful, while Basil is dark and strong

What effect does Lord Henry's performance at the luncheon have on Dorian?

Dorian is fascinated, mesmerized by everything Lord Henry says

Why does Basil try to destroy the canvas in Ch. II?

Dorian is upset because the painting is a constant reminder to him that he cannot remain youthful, and Basil is upset because he feels that Lord Henry has caused the entire situation by not leaving when Basil told him he should

What does Dorian say is Sibyl's effect on him?

Dorian says that Sibyl makes him feel faithful and good, and forgets everything that Lord Henry has taught him when he is with Sibyl

How is the portrait used as a mirror symbol, a common motif in this book?

Dorian says that the portrait was once a mirror of his physical appearance, but is now a mirror of his soul, and makes a metaphor comparing his youth to the seasons, winter seeing him in the spring before the summer of his youth

Why does Basil not succeed in destroying the canvas?

Dorian stops him when he attacks the canvas with a knife, likening it to actual murder

What is Dorian's reaction to the newspaper clipping about Sibyl Vane's inquest?

Dorian tears up the note in annoyance, wondering why Lord Henry would be so foolish as to send the clipping, the ugliness of the situation upsetting his sensibilities, rather than guilt

What does Dorian ask his valet Victor to do?

Dorian tells Victor that they will receive no visitors that day

Why is Jim not able to know who the man is?

Even Sibyl doesn't know his name

Why is James so concerned about Sibyl?

Even though he is younger than she, he feels protective, not wanting any man to take advantage of Sibyl's vulnerability

What is Dorian's response to Sibyl's explanation for her terrible performance?

He calls her shallow and stupid, and says she has destroyed any love he may have had for her

What is the significance of the portrait that Basil is working on in Chapter I?

He considers the portrait of Dorian Gray to be his greatest work, and feels he has transferred a part of himself into the portrait

How does Dorian move the portrait to a safe place?

He covers it with a purple satin coverlet and has Mr. Hubbard and his assistant carry it to the old schoolroom at the top of the house

What does Dorian decide to do about the painting?

He decides to hide the portrait some place where none of his servants or visitors to his house will ever be able to see it...hiding the darkness of his own soul

Why does Dorian Gray feel that he has murdered Sibyl?

He did, in a way, by rejecting her, and driving her to suicide

What has Basil been unaware of concerning Sibyl's death?

He doesn't know she committed suicide

Why does Basil say he will never exhibit the portrait?

He explains that he has put "curious artistic idolatry" into the painting, and doesn't want "shallow, prying eyes" to look into his soul, saying he has put too much of himself into the painting

What path does Dorian follow at this crossroad of his life with Sibyl Vane gone?

He has to make a choice between good and evil, but decides that choice has already been made, and the portrait will bear the burden of his shameful behavior in the future

What does Lord Henry suggest about the marriage proposal in Ch. VI?

He implies that women are more often the ones who do the proposing and questions whether that is what happened here

What does this scene in Ch. VII say about Dorian?

He is a shallow figure, too concerned with people's opinions and appearances

Who is Lord Henry Wotton?

He is a young English gentleman who exemplifies the cynical, self-indulgent, elite gentleman, dedicated to the pursuit of phsyical and intellectual pleasure

What assessment does Lord Henry make about Dorian?

He is astounded that he has such a sudden impact on Dorian, and wonders if Dorian is experiencing the same type of explosion of thoughts and feelings that Lord Henry experienced himself after reading a book at 16 which greatly influenced his own attitudes

Where is Dorian Gray a month later, as Ch. IV opens?

He is at Lord Henry's house in Mayfair, a home which reflects the opulence of the time, rich and well-appointed with art and fine decor

What is Dorian's only concern now?

He is concerned only with his own suffering, explaining that he has shed tears and has felt sorrow, likening Sibyl's death to the uselessness of martyrdom

What is Lord Henry's attitude toward love, marriage, and actors?

He is cynical and contemptuous of all of them, and remarks that shallow people "fall in love" only once in their lives, telling Dorian to never marry

How does Lord Henry behave during lunch in Ch. III?

He is cynical, witty, clever, and espouses some shocking or scandalous ideas, performing for Dorian and knowing he's watching and listening to everything Lord Henry says and does

How does Dorian spend much of his evening after leaving Sibyl's performance?

He is depressed and wanders aimlessly during the evening

What is Basil's feeling at the end of the meeting?

He is distressed by what has happened, and by the conversation between Dorian and Lord Henry, that Dorian is somehow changed

What is Dorian's mood when he arrives in Chapter VI?

He is excited, flushed with excitement, and looks extraordinarily handsome

What is Lord Henry's attitude toward psychology?

He is fascinated by the workings of the human mind, and is curious as a scientist to see how Dorian's relationship with Sibyl will work out

What plan does Lord Henry have for Dorian?

He is going to be to Dorian what Dorian has been to Basil--a center and a focus of his life

Where is James "Jim" Vane going?

He is leaving by boat to go to Australia to find his fortune, rejecting the career of a clerk to go to sea

Why does Dorian not expect to have to give information to the police at the inquest?

He is only known as Prince Charming, and knows that Sibyl would never have any reason to mention his real name to anyone

How does Basil react when Lord Henry tells him about Dorian's engagement?

He is shocked and disbelieving, feeling that Dorian is marrying beneath his station in life

What elements of Dorian's personality are emphasized when he finds out that Sibyl is dead?

He is somewhat removed from the actuality of Sibyl's death, considering it selfish of her to have taken her own life, which points out the two sides of his personality

What is Dorian feeling in Ch. VII after he sees that the picture has been corrupted by his own immoral actions?

He is thinking only of Sibyl, feeling a faint echo of his love for her again

Even though Dorian doesn't appear in Ch. I, why is Dorian Gray important?

He is very important in Basil Hallward's life, both as a friend and the subject of his "masterpiece," and much of the conversation is about him

What is Basil Hallward's state of mind when he comes to Dorian's home the next morning?

He is very serious, having heard that Dorian attended the opera the night before, despite the death of Sybil Vane

How would one describe Dorian Gray?

He is wonderfully handsome, with finely curved scarlet lips, frank blue eyes, crisp gold hair, and all the candor of youth

What does Dorian do when he returns downstairs after having the picture moved?

He looks at the book that Lord Henry has sent and reads the note

What does Basil make Lord Henry promise?

He makes Lord Henry promise not to spoil Basil's friendship with Dorian, as his life as an artist depends on his friendship with Dorian Gray

What promise does Jim make as he leaves?

He promises that he will find anyone who wrongs Sibyl and kill that person like a dog

What momentary thought does Dorian have about Basil?

He realizes that Basil's influence could save him from Lord Henry, but says that it is too late to save himself, as the future is now inevitable

What does Dorian realize when Basil wants to exhibit the portrait after all? How does he feel?

He realizes that he is in the position of power, and he no longer fears Basil, or Basil finding about the changing portrait--he controls the situation completely

What does Lord Henry learn when he arrives home?

He receives a telegram from Dorian indicating that Dorian is now engaged to Sibyl Vane

Why is Basil horrified by Dorian's behavior? On whom does he blame this?

He says that Dorian has no heart to go out to the opera after finding out about Sibyl, that he is not capable of pity, and blames this lack of feeling on Lord Henry--Dorian looks the same, but is not the same as before meeting Lord Henry

Why does Lord Henry say that Dorian will always be fond of him?

He says that he represents to Dorian all the sins that Dorian never had the courage to commit

What note does Dorian give to Victor?

He sends Victor with a note for Lord Henry, asking Lord Henry to send something for him to read, and to remember that they are engaged to get together that night at 8:15

What important remark does Dorian make about the picture in Ch. II that will have an impact on the whole story?

He speaks about being willing to give up anything if the picture could age, and Dorian remain young, saying that he would give his soul for that

What ideas does Lord Henry express about life?

He suggests that a man should "live out his life fully and completely," that the only way to overcome temptation is to yield to it, to commit to a life of pleasure

What can we infer about Lord Henry's personality from his reaction to Dorian's affair with Sibyl?

He tells Dorian to mourn for dead Shakespearean heroines, but that tears are more real than Sibyl ever was, showing him to be somewhat callous

How does Lord Henry affect Dorian?

He touches some secret desire that Dorian has, and he is awakened to the possibility of life's experiences

What does Lord Henry do the next day in Ch. III?

He visits his uncle Lord Fermor to find out about Dorian's ancestry and social position, finding out that he has something of a tragic past

What request does Dorian make of Basil?

He wants Basil to do a drawing of Sibyl so that Dorian can have something more than his memory of a few kisses and pathetic words

Why does Dorian give the note for Lord Henry to Victor?

He wants Victor to wait for a response, and thus be out of the house while the picture is moved

Why does Dorian want Basil and Lord Henry to come to the theater that evening?

He wants them to see Sibyl perform as Juliet to see why he is so in love with her, and plans to get her out of her contract with the theater manager

What question does Jim ask his mother before he leaves for Australia?

He wants to know if he is legitimate and whether his mother was married when she had him

How will Lord Henry become a center and a focus of Dorian's life?

He will make Dorian Gray in his own image, dominating his mind and soul, and will create a new way for Dorian to live his life as an experiment

What does Basil say to Dorian in Chapter VI?

He wishes happiness on Dorian and Sibyl, but feels slighted because Dorian didn't tell him about it directly

How does the idea of the picture aging fit with the picture being a symbol?

He wonders if meeting a true love would purify him, and cause the painting to revert to its former beauty, and therefore symbolize the quality of his own soul

What decisions does Dorian make when he confirms that the painting really is changing?

He writes to Sibyl Vane to ask her forgiveness and declare his love for her

How does Dorian react to his portrait?

He's overwhelmed by the beauty of the portrait, as if he's seeing himself for the first time

What are the attitude's of Sibyl's mother and brother?

Her mother is concerned because of their debt to Mr. Isaacs, the theater manager/owner, and her brother Jim is worried Dorian will take advantage of Sibyl's innocence and foolishness

How does Dorian react to Sibyl's performance?

Her performance is a disaster, and he is horrified by her performance as Juliet, embarrassed that his friends are witnessing it

Who does Dorian idolize?

Himself

Who is present for the lunch as the home of Lord Henry's Aunt Agatha?

His aunt is there, as is the Duchess of Harley, Sir Thomas Burdon, Mr. Erksine of Treadly, Mrs. Vandeleur, Lord Faudel, and Dorian Gray

In what way is Lord Henry pleased about this new development in Dorian's life?

His experiment with Dorian is interesting to him, and realizes that his 'creation' of Dorian is not complete

What does Jim learn from his mother in Ch. V, and what does he say about Sibyl?

His father was married to someone else, and he makes his mother promise not to tell Sibyl

What directions does Dorian give to his valet Victor in Chapter X?

In Ch. 10, Dorian sends Victor, his valet, to go to the frame-maker and ask for two men to come to the house

How does Dorian spend the next morning in Ch. VIII?

In Chapter 8, Dorian sleeps until after noon, goes through his mail without opening a letter from Lord Henry, eats his breakfast, and wonders if the painting has really changed after all

How are Lord Henry's views on a hedonistic life related to music in Dorian's mind?

In the past, music has had a troubling effect on Dorian and stirred him in the same way that Lord Henry's words do, and this causes Dorian to realize that words are a more articulate, understandable form of expression than music

When Jim responds to Sibyl's declaration that Dorian will love her forever with "He had better," what does he mean?

It foreshadows that Jim will seek revenge if his sister Sibyl is hurt by Dorian

What does Dorian realize when he looks at the portrait again in Ch. VIII?

It has definitely changed as he looks at it with scientific interest, like Lord Henry would, and sees the painting as a visible symbol of the degradation of sin

What does Dorian observe about the portrait after Lord Henry leaves in Ch. VIII?

It has not changed any further, so he concludes that the picture knew of Sibyl's death before Dorian himself did, the cruel lines forming around the mouth when Sibyl poisoned herself

What is the atmospher in the theater when the three men attend Sibyl's performance of Juliet?

It is "terriby oppressive," as there are tawdry girls with shrill voices among the crowd...lower class

The omniscient narrator explains Dorian's feelings in Ch. VIII as what?

It points out his confusion, his immaturity, his inability to understand the world that he inhabits, and identifies that unlike a Greek tragic hero, he takes a great part in the tragedy but remains unaffected by it

What does Dorian know will happen to the picture?

It will become sodden and unclean with the weight of Dorian's sins and corruption, while he remains youthful and innocent to the world

Who is the antagonist of the book?

Lord Henry

How does Lord Henry convince Dorian that the entire affair is to Dorian's advantage?

Lord Henry explains that Dorian can treat this as his part in a grand tragedy, grieve for the loss of his love, and move on

What happens at the end of Ch. III that shows the changing nature of the relationships between the three main characters?

Lord Henry indicates that he is going to the park, and Dorian presses him to go along, despite promising that he would go to Basil Hallward's

What is Lord Henry's attitude about Dorian being engaged in Chapter VI?

Lord Henry is still amused by Dorian as an experiment in Chapter 6, and predicts the marriage will last 6 months

What is Lord Henry's attitude toward marriage, as expressed to Dorian?

Lord Henry is very cynical about marriage and the effect faithfulness has on both the husband and the wife

Why did Lord Henry send the clipping to Dorian in Ch. X?

Lord Henry probably sent the clipping to Dorian in Ch. 10 so that Dorian would not feel at risk in the inquest

What is going on with the allusion to Narcissus in Ch. I?

Lord Henry refers to Dorian as Narcissus, a character from Greek mythology who falls in love with his own reflection

Why might some have considered this book immoral when it was first published?

Many of the comments of Lord Henry and the actions of Dorian are beyond conventional morality

When Wilde writes about "If he wedded Messalina he would be none the less interesting," who is he alluding to?

Messalina was the wife of the Roman emperor Claudius, and she was a wicked, salacious, and licentious woman

When Lord Henry says, "Conscience and cowardice are really the same things...Conscience is the trade-name of the firm. That is all."--what does this reveal about him?

Most people are cowards--meaning he is as well--but most hide their cowardice behind conscience, which implies that they don't really have one...like him?

When Lord Henry says, "I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, and my enemies for their good intellects; a man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies"--what does this reveal about him?

One must guess that Lord Henry is merely making a joke, which is always possible with Oscar Wilde's writing, or that he likes his adversaries to be worthy competition

Why is Dorian late for dinner with Lord Henry? And why does he say he was fascinated by the book?

One wonders if he was late because he didn't want to see Lord Henry, as if he is perhaps tiring of him, in the same way that he can't say that he liked the book, even though he found it fascinating

How does Basil act? Why?

Open to seeing her act, he respects Dorian so he respects her, and prefers her influence on Dorian more so than Lord Henry's

Why does Wilde refer to art as the mirror--an important symbol in the book--of the spectator?

People see things differently, and the way they see things depends on their own knowledge and experience

When Lord Henry says, "The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world"--what does this reveal about him?

Perhaps that physical appearance is the most important aspect of a person, and ignorance is bliss

What does Dorian say about himself and the portrait?

Realizing that the day will come when his handsomeness will fade, he understands that life will both form his soul and destroy his body

What vows does Dorian make after studying the portrait very carefully?

Realizing that the portrait is a visible symbol of his conscience, Dorian resolves to not see Lord Henry anymore, stop being cruel, and he will go see Sibyl again

How does Lord Henry act while at the theater?

Sarcastic, cynical, and condescending, he is amused by the spectacle of both Sibyl Vane's performance, and Dorian as he watches her

What does Sibyl say to keep him from leaving? And what does she not tell about Jim?

She begs him not to leave, says that she will work hard to improve her acting, and that her brother didn't mean what he said

What is Sibyl's explanation for her terrible performance that evening?

She explains that the theater was the only life she had before meeting Dorian, and now realizes that loving him is the only real thing she knows, so she can't fake living in the theater anymore

How does Dorian now view Sibyl's death?

She has atoned for her mistakes by taking her life, and he no longer has to think about that horrible night at the theatre, thinking of her as a beautifully tragic heroine

Who is Sibyl Vane, and what is Dorian's relationship with her?

She is an actress that Dorian has discovered doing Shakespeare in a tawdry theatre, and he has fallen madly in love with her

Describe Sibyl as she steps on stage.

She is beautiful, and one of the loveliest creatures that Lord Henry has ever seen

What directions does Dorian give to his housekeeper Mrs. Leaf?

She is to give him the key to the upstairs room known as the old schoolroom, making it clear that she is not to clean or dust it and not go near it

How does Sibyl Vane feel about Dorian?

She loves him totally and says that her Prince Charming is what love itself should be, not fully understanding why he loves her

How does Jim's mother react to his promise to kill anyone who wrongs Sibyl?

She thinks it's a dramatic display of emotion, but not a serious one, that they'll laugh at it one day

What happens during the performance in Ch. VII?

Sibyl's performance in Ch. 7 is both stilted and awful, beautiful but an artificial performance

How is the portrait used as a symbol?

The picture is a symbol of Dorian's soul, cruel and easily influenced, showing what he is like inside, his outer features remaining unchanged

What does Dorian see when he looks at the portrait after wandering aimlessly?

The portrait is changed, and he sees a touch of cruelty to the mouth

Why is Dorian so enamored of Sibyl Vane?

The sound of her voice haunts him, and he has been completely captivated by her performances on stage

Who is Dorian Gray?

The subject of Basil's portrait, Dorian is a young English gentleman of extraordinary personal beauty, and the protagonist of the story

What do Dorian and Lord Henry have in common when they first meet in Ch. II?

They both know Lord Henry's Aunt Agatha, and she is devoted to Dorian Gray

What do Dorian and Lady Henry discuss in Ch. IV?

They discuss music, and she recognizes her husband's views on it from Dorian, as she always does from her husband's friends

How do Sibyl and Dorian spend their time?

They meet following her performances, where he finds her environment distasteful but sees her as captivating

What is Lord Henry saying when he states, "Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are cautious; both are disappointed"?

This is Wilde's funny way of saying that men marry because they're tired of looking, women because they are not willing to take a chance by letting a good man go, and both end up choosing to marry for the wrong reasons, and are thus unhappy

What is the figure of speech employed in the quote, "Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic"?

This quote on page 38 employs the literary device of foreshadowing, implying that tragedy will befall Dorian

When an epigram in the Preface states that "Even things that are true can be proved," what does the author mean?

This satirical comment expresses the idea that artists have no desire to prove anything because art is just supposed to exist, nothing more

How does Sibyl appear to feel about Dorian?

Though both are nervous at first, she seems awed by his social position, referring to him as "My Lord" and "Prince Charming," clearly finding him attractive

What does Dorian learn when Lord Henry arrives?

When Dorian tells Lord Henry he has discovered his conscience and wants to rekindle his relationship with Sibyl Vane, Lord Henry informs him that she is dead, and by her own hand

What simile is used by Wilde on page 69?

When he says that Sibyl "shook like a white narcissus" when greeting Dorian

What reference does Lord Henry make to Dorian's youth and good looks in the scene after we learn of Sibyl's death?

While Dorian refers to himself as haggard and old, Lord Henry reminds him that Dorian's youth and good looks are more important than anything else because he is one of a kind

When Lord Henry says that women inspire men to make masterpieces and prevent them from carrying them out, what does he mean?

Women inspire the men they love, but are impossible to live with, again demeaning the moral life

Is Lord Henry a hedonist?

Yes, and he believes that all men are so

When Lord Henry says that a man who does a stupid thing from the noblest motives, what does he mean?

That nobility is stupid, meaning that Lord Henry thinks it better to serve oneself

Which book is referred to early in Chapter I which Lord Henry has read and sent to Dorian?

The book is "A Rebours" or "Backwards," in which the hero tries to experience all the sensations of the past by living backwards

How does the illegitimacy of Jim and Sibyl Vane reference Lord Henry's beliefs?

The facts seem to corroborate Lord Henry's beliefs on marital infidelity, since Mrs. Vane says their father was a well-connected gentleman like Lord Henry

Why might some have considered this book moral when it was first published?

The moral is that the pursuit of pleasure does not bring happiness, so there is a lesson to be learned

How could the painting of Dorian Gray be used as a symbol?

The painting is a symbol of the innocence, youth, and physical beauty of Dorian

Why is Basil now interested in exhibiting the portrait?

The painting is his greatest achievement, and he is not concerned about the public display of it now