Logan Halverson English Literature Archibald Period 1 11/14/11 The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde Published in 2003

by Barnes & Noble Classics

1. AUTHOR AND HIS/HER PLOT: On October 16, 1854, Oscar Wilde was born to William Wilde, an ophthalmogist who published books on archaeology and folklore, and

Jane Francsca Wilde, who was well known and acclaimed poet and journalist. Influenced by his mother, Wilde was poetic even in his youth. When Wilde was twelve, his sister died of a sudden fever. Greatly affected by the tragedy, he kept a lock of her hair until he died in 1900. Wilde's writing career finally began in 1879 when he moved to London with his friend, Frank Miles, who was a great portrait painter. It is questioned if the character, Basil Hallward, in the novel The Picture of Dorian Gray was influenced by Miles' presence in Wilde's life. Throughout his life, Wilde had several homosexual affairs, while married to his wife, Constance Lloyd. He was also a representative for the Aesthetic movement in England during the 19th century. As a passionate activist, Wilde spent two years in jail for acts of homosexuality and indecency. In 1891, The Picture of Dorian Gray was published, Wilde's only novel. After years of testing and flirting with religion, the writer converted to Roman Catholicism on his death bed. Wilde died of cerebral meningitis in Paris on November 30, 1900, ten years after the novel was published. 2. FORM/STRUCTURE, PLOT: In The Picture of Dorian Gray, the plot revolves around the inner conflict of the main character, Dorian Gray and a cursed portrait, which represents his subconscious and level of virtue. The novel begins with a very innocent and naive Dorian Gray, who as the novel progressed, becomes shallow and heartless under the influence of his companion, Lord Henry. After receiving a portrait, given to him by his dear friend, Basil Hallward, Dorian becomes repulsed after realizing that the portrait will one day remind him of how beautiful and youthful he once was. Repulsed by the idea of age, he curses the painting by wishing that it would reflect his age as the years go by, while he would forever remain young and fresh. As Dorian becomes more and more influenced by Lord Henry and his charm, he adopts new beliefs and ideas. Later on in the novel, Dorian falls in love with a woman named, Sibyl Vane and breaks her heart, resulting in her suicide. This leads to the rising action of the plot, which is Dorian noticing the changes taking place in the portrait and the reflections of his cruelty in the portraits face. From this point on, Dorian continues to submerge himself deeper into a life of sin. He commits his soul to new pleasures and sensations without any regard of morality or virtue. As this takes place, the character is constantly haunted by the horrid painting that relentlessy mocks him as he begins to become mad with guilt and the torment of his conscience. Eventually Dorian Gray becomes deranged and murders his once dear friend, Basil, after showing him the hideous painting. The novel ends with Dorian's attempt to destroy the painting by stabbing it with a dagger. After a large commotion, Gray is found laying dead as a hideous old man, while the painting of him has returned to it's orginal, young and beautiful state. Wilde makes it evident to the reader that Dorian Gray's life will ultimately end in tragedy, however the writer includes contoversial ideas and philiosophies throughout the story, which inspire the reader to open ones eyes to new and interesting views of the world. 3. POINT OF VIEW/ PERSPECTIVE: The Picture of Dorian Gray is written in a third person omniscient point of view. Wilde records both elements of the external world as well as the inner thoughts and feelings of his characters, which are expressed through their actions and dialogues. This allows the reader to develope his or her own opinions and predictions by using their own schematic knowledge of communication and experiences with human nature. Their is no character pespective throughout the novel, however, there is one paragraph in which a first person point of view becomes evident. During this portion,

Wilde becomes the narrator. For the remainder of the novel, the story is told from the vantage point of a fly on the wall. This point of view was effective because it was very thorough and factual, giving the reader a complete idea of the events that take place within the storyline. The narrator also gives elaborate and detailed description of the setting and events, creating a visual impression for the reader and stimulating their imagination. For example, "As the painter looked at the gracious and comely form he had so skillfully mirrored in his art, a smile of pleasure passed across his face, and seemed to linger there."(Wilde, pg4) Here, Wilde gives a clear and affluent dipiction of the novel's context by using alluring language that appeals to the emotional senses of the mind. This type of narration is used to captivate the reader and draw them into the current manifestations that are taking place in that specific part the novel. 4. CHARACTER: Each character in The Picture of Dorian Gray is highly complex in their own diverse, yet romantic, way. Wilde reveals each of the characters' personalities through their actions and thoughts. The three primary and most important characters of the novel are: Dorian Gray, Lord Henry Wotton, and Basil Hallward. The central character, Dorian Gray is described as a perfect being. He represents artisitic perfection and is the ideal archetype of beauty. He is a handsome, wealthy and very socially relevant individual. He is stated by the character, Basil Hallward as "the harmony of soul and body."(pg12). This depicts the admiration and infatuation that other characters in the novel have for Gray. Dorian is also referred to as a "young Adonis"(pg5) in the first chapter of the book; a beautiful man of Greek mythology who is beloved by the goddesses, Venus and Persephone. This shows the character's parallelism to a god-like figure. As the storyline progresses, Dorian becomes an increasingly complex character as his transformation into a hideous monster begins to take place. He becomes excessively concerned with his own mortal beauty and thus corrupt in the process of attempting to prevent it from expiring. Gradually, he becomes devoted to his own happiness and pleasure, turning a blind eye to the importance of integrity. The character of Dorian Gray is of the most importance in the novel due to the fact that it is the most analyzed and observed character. The events taking place in the novel are revolved around Dorian's actions and state of being. An important contibutor to Dorian Gray's impurity is Lord Henry Wotton. Lord Henry is a consistent element in the novel and does not undergo any significant changes or struggles, but initiates Dorian's demoralization and compulsion to behave immorally. He is a middle-aged smooth talker with radical opinions of the world and nihilistic motives and philisophies. He is exceedingly charming and socially considered a person of importance. He frequently attends the elegant formal events of London's social scene and is a frequent partaker in operas and enjoys attending the theater. One of his most primary characteristics is his criticism of society and use of satire. Lord Henry Wotton states that, "it is only the intellectually lost who ever argue."(pg13) This statement proves the character's arrogance and reveals his swelling ego. Dorian Gray's candid apprehension of the world around him is manipulated and twisted by Lord Henry's lessons of apathy towards ethicality and his belief of the importance of selfishness. He is determined to shock and baffle the moral foundation of society with his eccentric philosophical intuition. Lord Henry Wotton states that, "it is only the intellectually lost who ever argue."(pg13) This statement proves the character's arrogance and reveals his swelling ego. Although Henry is confident in his beliefs and allegations, it is evident and revealed through context that he is hypocritical and

does not, himself, fully understand his own implications. He represents the root of evil and sin. The remaining primary character of the novel is an artist by the name of Basil Hallward. He is a close friend of both Dorian Gray and Lord Henry and is the painter of the cursed portrait, which he believes to be his true masterpiece. He is a genuine and sincere character and also does not undergo any elaborate changes in the novel. Basil develops an obsession with Dorian Gray and claims that he is a medium and neccessity to his artistic potential. He becomes fascinated with Dorian's beauty and grace and develops a romantic attachement to him as soon as he his introduced to him. Basil objects to Lord Henry's interaction with Dorian, knowing that he will not be a positive influence in his life. He seeks to protect Dorian and his innocence and stays emotionally devoted to him, even after Dorian has become cruel and sinful. Consistently, he is a reliable and loyal character and continues to adhere to the same principles. Basil represents Dorian's potential morality. He openly speaks of his love of Dorian to Lord Henry by saying, "There is nothing that Art cannot express, and I know that the work I have done, since I met Dorian Gray, is good work, is the best work of my life."(pg12) Here, Basil reveals his need for Dorian Gray and his importance, pertaining to his own art. Basil's infatuation with Gray is evident in the way that he speaks to and of him. For example, Basil says to Dorian, "stop and dine with me." This statement proves the romantic feelings that Basil has developed for Dorian and his willingness to be submissive towards him. Each of these characters play an important role in the novel and contribute immensely to the overall plot. Individually, they are each a vital element of the authors ultimate message and product. 5. SETTING: The setting of the novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, takes place in the 1890's in London, England during the aesthetic movement. The story includes a few different settings within London such as: the home of Dorian Gray's aunt; also where the character resides, Basil Hallward's studio, the theater where Dorian meets Sibyl Vane and the opium den. Oscar Wilde lived in London during the same time that is relevant in the novel and therefore provides accurate and detailed descriptions of the town, atmosphere, culture and social behavior of it's people. The atmosphere of this time and place is very romantic and nearly gothic. It is a time of beauty, literature and philosophy during the Victorian era. The culture of this time is one of a large and dull middle class as well as a very rich, scandelous and sinful upperclass. It is also a society that is obsessed with beauty and extravagance. The social setting contributes to Dorian Gray's alter ego. During the times that he is in a social situation or exposed to the public and upper class society, he appears to have stunning features and attributes. However, when he is alone in the privacy of his home, he is instantly transfigured into an evil and hideous monster. The setting of the novel adds to the mystery and darkness of the story being told and is a perfect setting for the main character's split personality. 6.THEME: The theme of The Picture of Dorian Gray is eternal youth and beauty and the psychological affect that it has on the human mind. In the novel, the entire plot is centered around the concept of beauty. Beauty rules nearly every aspect of Dorian Gray's world and dictates the choices that he makes as well as how he carries them out. Dorian's obsession with forever remaining youthful and attractive interferes and overrides his subconscious

and ability to categorize the differences of right and wrong. This concept is relavent to society as a whole and demonstrates the dangers of vanity. The moral of the novel suggests that with obtaining these elements comes the very serious price that must be paid as a consequence. It also suggests that regardless of outer appearance, one will always be obligated to live with their guilt and inner-conscience. The theme leads one to question whether or not the eternal possession of beauty and infinite youth can be sufficient and fulfilling once it has taken the place of a soul. 7. CRITICAL REVIEW: 8. DICTION: In his novel, Oscar Wilde uses extravagant diction. The language of the text is high, intricate and, at times, perplexing. The narration as well as the characters' dialogues is very formal and proper. Wilde writes: "Morning after morning he had sat before the portrait wondering at its beauty, almost enamored of it, as it seemed to him at times. Was it to alter nowwith every mood to which he yielded?"(pg109) The author, using the language of his time, writes with eloquence and lucidity as he illustrates the events of the novel with diligence. As he does this, he also uses colorful description to create a vivacious visual preconception for the reader. Wilde also uses some simple, yet powerful vocabulary such as: "There is something fatal about a portrait."(pg120) This is an example of Wilde's use of simple words and sentences to make a striking impression. Wilde's diction is also, in many ways, poetic. For instance, when speaking of his lover, Sibyl Vane, Dorian uses language such as, "Her hair clustered round her face like dark leaves round a pale rose."(pg80) and, "It seemed to me that all my life had been narrowed to one perfect point of rose-colored joy."(pg80) In these sentences, Wilde's use of a simile and metaphor to describe Dorian's infattuation towards Sibyl is like that used in a romantic ballad or love poem. Throughout the entire novel, Wilde also uses jargon, or words that apply to a certain group and are thus, unfamiliar to one who is not part of that specific group. The text makes constant references to mythological icons such as: Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom; Apollo, the sun god of Greek and Roman mythology and Hermes, the messenger of the Greek gods. Wilde also makes several references to prominent historical figures. For example: Buonarotti, an acclaimes Renaissance artist, architect, and poet also known as Michelangelo; Nero, the infamous Roman emperor of the first century and Gaius Petronius, the arbiter of fashion in Nero's court. Overall, Wilde's concise and elegant word choice is a reflection of the author's brilliant intellect. 9. SYNTAX: The sentence structure that Oscar Wilde uses in The Picture of Dorian Gray are generally compound or complex, however still easy to comprehend while reading. One thing that makes the novel enjoyable to read is that the language and syntax used is not overly elaborate or intentionally long. Wilde uses a traditional and standard use of punctuation, spelling and grammar. More commonly, compound sentences are used to narrate the story. Wilde writes, "When he entered the somewhat somber hall, the butler told him that they had gone in to lunch. He gave one of the footmen his hat and stick, and passed into the dining room."(pg40) Here, the author graciously uses two complex sentences in a way that is easy to understand and constructed to describe the event taking place in a precise and simple matter. 10. SYMBOLISM: In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde has included several symbols that represent different emotions, concepts and abstract elements. These are mostly

symbolized by people, and simple adjectives. A significant symbol in the novel is Sibyl Vane, herself. The meaning of the name Sibyl is, literally, 'female prophet'. Sibyl is a symbol for a predetermined event, or warning. This may be a hint to the reader that Dorian Gray's romance with Sibyl will ultimately lead to a sudden turn of events. In the novel, Sibyl's presence leads up to the rising action of the plot, her suicide. Sibyl's very existence is a prophecy. Aside from representing a prophecy, Sibyl's acting is also a symbol of beauty and art. Dorian becomes equally obsessed with her talent as he does with the concept of eternal beauty. When Sibyl decides that she no longer wants to act and decides to throw away her talent, Dorian casts her out of his life forever. He is only in love with her ability to act and only knows her as the characters that she plays on stage. This is a parallelism to Dorian's distorted perception of reality and misconception of beauty and its meaning. By stating, "You have killed my love."(91), Dorian reveals his love for Juliet and Sibyl's artistic portrayal of the character rather than Sibyl Vane. Another symbol in the novel is the fat Jew, whom manages the theater that Sibyl performs in. During Wilde's time and during the time that the novel takes place, people of Jewish descent were generally disliked and considered very low-class and insignificant members of society. Dorian explains to Harry, "On the first night I was at the theater, the horrid old Jew came round to the box after the performance was over...I was furious with him...". As these anti-Semitic beliefs are reflected in the novel by Dorian Gray in particular, it can be inferred that the Jew, already representing poverty and the lower-class, is a symbol of old-age and dilapidation or, perhaps, grotesqueness. In this case, Dorian's bigoted animosity towards the Jew inevitably symbolizes his aversion to the inferiority of the common working class, but also his disgust and disdain towards anything that is not considered beautiful and artistic. Another symbol in the novel is the frequently made reference to a rose. On several occasions in the novel, Sibyl is compared to a rose by both Dorian and the narrator. For example, "Harry, imagine a girl... [with] eyes that were violet wells of passion, lips that were like the petals of a rose."(pg54) Dorian uses this comparison when confessing his undying love for Sibyl to his cynical companion, Lord Henry. The narrator also uses this comaparison: "Then she paused. A rose shook in her blood, and shadowed her cheeks. Quick breaths parted the petals of her lips."(pg.64) Here her lips are being compared to a rose for a second time in the novel. Another example of a reference made to this symbol is: "He was like a common gardener walking with a rose."(pg69) The narrator uses this comparison when describing Sibyl Vane's brother, James, walking beside her down the avenue. Yet again, this reference is made by Dorian Gray, when describing the beauty of his lover to Basil Hallward- "Her hair clustered round her face like dark leaves round a pale rose."(pg80) Many different symbolic descriptions and meanings can be interpreted from these similes and comparisons. In finalization to these examples, it can be inferred that the correlation of Sibyl and a rose is a representation of the young woman's beauty, romantic qualities and budding youth. Wilde uses a rose when describing Sibyl, to essentially illustrate her lush and beautiful attributes. 11. TONE: Throughout his novel, Oscar Wilde maintains a tone that can be described as: romantic, Victorian, baroque, picturesque, whimsical and supernatural. The main character, Dorian Gray, alone, is an archetype and representation of gothic, supernatural and whimsical elements. These elements are incorporated in the vivid descriptions made by Wilde such as, "There are few of us who have not sometimes wakened before dawn, either

after one of those dreamless nights that make us almost enamored of death, or one of those nights of horror and misshapen joy, when through the chambers of the brain sweep phantoms more terrible than reality itself, and instinct with that vivid life that lurks in all grotesques, and that lends to Gothic art its enduring vitality, this art being, one might fancy, especially the art of those whose minds have been troubled with the malady of reverie."(pg134) This sentenced is a prime example of these given tones due to the fact that it demonstrates a dark tone, particularly by the statement, "enamored by death". The discriptive sentence, by mentioning "phantoms", also applies to the supernatural tone of the novel. The undeclared, yet indicated, reference to daydreams, misconception of reality and insanity emphasizes elements both whimsical and morosely obscure. These tones are also attributed through the plot of the novel. As the reader observes the changes that take place within Dorian Gray, the novel concurrently changes moods to correspond with Gray's predicaments and condition. As the storyline progresses, the tone of the novel becomes increasingly sorrowful and bizarre. 12. TITLE: The title, The Picture of Dorian Gray, has a literal significance pertaining to the book. The title does not appear word for word in the novel, but is referred to constantly withing the text. The storyline revolves entirely around the reference in the title. 13. MEMORABLE QUOTE: Those who are faithful know only the trivial side of love; it is the faithless who know love's tragedies. This quote was significant to me because I felt that it was powerful and could indicate more than one idea. To me, this quote suggests that one must make mistakes to truly learn in life and that the more mistakes you make, the more you know and the more complex you've become. It relates to me because I've experienced being faithless and been afflicted by it's consequences. I believe that the less experienced you are, the less knowledge you have. Those who play with fire get burned, but those who avoid the fire will never know what it means to feel pain. I thought this quote was very well-written and impressionable. 14. PERSONAL RESPONSE: I enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray because it was unpredictable and interesting, therefore easy to read and analyze. Personally, I didn't agree with all of the philosophies and ideas that were included in the novel. However, I enjoyed the formality of the text and the amount of detail written by the author. The romantic and flowery language made the book particularly captivating. I would read another novel by Oscar Wilde if one existed, but regardless, I still enjoy reading his poetry and short stories. I have recommended this novel to people in the past. I think that it is a book that anyone can relate to and appreciate. The Picture of Dorian Gray should be added to the curriculum because it is relevant to some elements of our society. It is intended to make an impact on it's readers and inspire people to question the laws of beauty as well as the laws and philosophies regarding ethics and humanity. Furthermore, there is enough complexity to the novel that it would still be challenging to fully comprehend and assess, even for honor students. In my opinion, it would contribute greatly to the education of an English student and his or her assessment of real world issues.

15. BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGE: -The Picture of Dorian Gray -The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wilde - How Oscar Wilde Works, Stuff You Missed in History Class(podcast) -LVCCLD.org -biography.com