The Picture of Dorian Gray

Question 1

Themes - Dorian Gray

Answer 1

• superficiality of beauty and youth
• influence and manipulation
• duality of human nature
• hedonism
• art and morality

Question 2

symbol - the portrait

Answer 2

Represents Dorian’s conscience and his moral decay

Question 3

symbol - the yellow book

Answer 3

Given to Dorian by Lord Henry,
- a life of aestheticism and indulgence
- A poison gospel for Dorian

Question 4

symbol - opium dens

Answer 4

Represents Dorian’s attempt to escape guilt

Question 5

symbol - white and red roses

Answer 5

Ironically used to contrast the rot behind Dorian’s charm

Question 6

Dorian Gray’s character traits

Answer 6

• Youthful and innocent (at first)
• egotistical and narcissistic
• impressionable
• cruel and detached
• hypocritical
• self-destructive

Question 7

Guilt and retribution

Answer 7

• Feels guilt but not enough to fully change
• Attempts to be good
• Vanity: he wants to feel good about himself, not actually do good
• Retribution: stabs the person -> kills himself

Question 8

Lord Henry’s influence

Answer 8

• Represents aestheticism and philosophical hedonism
• his ideas are toxic to the young and malleable to Dorian
• Lord Henry never takes responsibility