Excerpt from the Picture of Dorian Gray CommonLit Answers offers a comprehensive exploration of Oscar Wilde’s classic novel, providing insightful analysis and detailed explanations of its characters, themes, and literary techniques.
This guide delves into the complex character of Dorian Gray, examining his physical and psychological transformation and the profound influence of Lord Henry Wotton on his moral development. It explores the novel’s exploration of beauty and its corrupting influence, the consequences of sin, and the intricate relationship between art and life.
Character Analysis: Excerpt From The Picture Of Dorian Gray Commonlit Answers
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a novel by Oscar Wilde that follows the story of Dorian Gray, a young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. The novel explores the themes of beauty, morality, and the consequences of sin.
Dorian Gray’s Physical and Psychological Transformation
When Dorian Gray first meets Lord Henry Wotton, he is a young man of extraordinary beauty. However, as he becomes increasingly corrupt, his physical appearance begins to change. His face becomes more and more handsome, but his eyes grow colder and more cruel.
His body becomes increasingly muscular, but his skin becomes pale and lifeless. Dorian’s psychological transformation is even more pronounced than his physical transformation. He becomes increasingly selfish and hedonistic, and he loses all sense of morality.
The Influence of Lord Henry Wotton on Dorian’s Character
Lord Henry Wotton is a hedonist who believes that the only thing worth living for is pleasure. He encourages Dorian to embrace his youth and beauty, and he tells him that there is no such thing as morality. Lord Henry’s influence on Dorian is profound.
He helps Dorian to see the world in a new way, and he encourages him to act on his desires.
The Role of Sibyl Vane in Dorian’s Moral Development
Sibyl Vane is a young actress who falls in love with Dorian. Dorian is initially drawn to Sibyl’s innocence and beauty, but he soon tires of her. He breaks her heart, and she commits suicide. Sibyl’s death is a turning point in Dorian’s moral development.
He realizes that he is capable of great cruelty, and he begins to feel guilty for his actions.
Themes
The Picture of Dorian Gray explores a number of important themes, including:
The Theme of Beauty and Its Corrupting Influence
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale about the dangers of beauty. Dorian Gray is a young man who is blessed with extraordinary beauty, but he soon learns that beauty is a double-edged sword. It can bring him pleasure and power, but it can also lead to his downfall.
The Theme of Morality and the Consequences of Sin
The Picture of Dorian Gray is also a novel about morality and the consequences of sin. Dorian Gray is a young man who makes a series of immoral choices, and he eventually pays the price for his actions.
The Theme of Art and Its Relationship to Life
The Picture of Dorian Gray is also a novel about art and its relationship to life. Dorian Gray is a young man who is obsessed with beauty, and he believes that art is the only thing that is truly valuable in life.
However, he eventually learns that art is not a substitute for life, and that it can even be dangerous.
Literary Techniques
The Picture of Dorian Gray is a well-written novel that uses a variety of literary techniques to create a powerful and memorable story.
The Use of Symbolism
Wilde uses symbolism throughout The Picture of Dorian Gray to create a deeper meaning in the story. For example, the portrait of Dorian Gray is a symbol of his soul. As Dorian becomes increasingly corrupt, the portrait becomes more and more hideous.
The Use of Foreshadowing and Irony
Wilde also uses foreshadowing and irony to create a sense of suspense and dread in the novel. For example, the novel is full of foreshadowing of Dorian’s eventual downfall. Wilde also uses irony to create a sense of contrast between Dorian’s beautiful appearance and his ugly soul.
The Significance of the Setting and Atmosphere
The setting and atmosphere of The Picture of Dorian Gray are also important to the novel’s meaning. The novel is set in London during the Victorian era, a time of great social and economic change. The setting of the novel helps to create a sense of decadence and moral decay.
Historical and Cultural Context
The Picture of Dorian Gray was written in 1890, during the Victorian era. The Victorian era was a time of great social and economic change. It was also a time of great interest in art and aesthetics.
The Influence of the Victorian Era on the Novel’s Themes and Characters
The Victorian era had a profound influence on the themes and characters of The Picture of Dorian Gray. The novel’s themes of beauty, morality, and art are all relevant to the Victorian era. The novel’s characters are also typical of the Victorian era.
Dorian Gray is a young man who is obsessed with beauty and pleasure. Lord Henry Wotton is a hedonist who believes that there is no such thing as morality. Sibyl Vane is a young woman who is innocent and pure.
The Role of Art and Aesthetics in Victorian Society, Excerpt from the picture of dorian gray commonlit answers
Art and aesthetics played an important role in Victorian society. The Victorians were great collectors of art, and they believed that art could improve their lives. The Picture of Dorian Gray reflects the Victorian interest in art and aesthetics. The novel is full of beautiful descriptions of art and music.
The Novel’s Critique of Victorian Morality
The Picture of Dorian Gray is also a critique of Victorian morality. The novel shows the dangers of being too obsessed with beauty and pleasure. It also shows the hypocrisy of Victorian society. The Victorians were very concerned with morality, but they were also very tolerant of vice.
Questions and Answers
What is the significance of the portrait in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
The portrait serves as a physical manifestation of Dorian’s moral decay, reflecting his sins and preventing him from experiencing the consequences of his actions.
How does Lord Henry Wotton influence Dorian Gray?
Lord Henry introduces Dorian to a hedonistic philosophy that encourages him to pursue pleasure without regard for morality, ultimately leading to his downfall.
What is the role of Sibyl Vane in Dorian’s moral development?
Sibyl represents Dorian’s lost innocence and serves as a catalyst for his initial moral awakening, but her tragic death hardens his heart and sets him on a path of self-destruction.
