DG Chapter 1 Flashcards
List all the sensory experiences mentioned in the first two paragraphs.
Smell and sight “rich odour of roses”. “perfume of pink-flowering thorn”;
hearing “dim roar of London.” Touch “tussore-silk curtains”.
Why does Wilde include these sensory experiences?
To create an atmosphere of beauty and tranquillity through imagery that
appeals to the senses.
Discuss what the significance might be of introducing Dorian Gray
through his portrait.
We are introduced to his picture before we meet him to show that Dorian’s
beauty precedes his character.
Summarise what you have learnt about the characters Dorian, Basil and
Lord Henry in this chapter. Include quotes that illustrate these character
traits.
Basil: secretive “sudden disappearance” “I have grown to love secrecy”;
skilful artist “skilfully mirrored in his art”; odd “odd way that used to make
his friends laugh at him”; rugged strong face and coal-black hair. Was
independent until he met Dorian “ Dorian Gray will dominate me”; jealous
“I don’t want you to meet him”.
Lord Henry: intelligent, manipulative’ commanding presence, judgemental,
destroyer of beauty for his own amusement “plucked a pink-petalled
daisy”; cynical and sceptic about sincere behaviour of others “ being natural
is simply a pose”; makes outrageous statements and challenges morality
but never commits an immoral act “ You never say a moral thing, and you
never do a wrong thing.” “Your cynicism is simply a pose.”
Dorian: young man of “extraordinary beauty”; “young Adonis”; “charming
boy”; “wonderful young man” who is helpful; “very earnest and had a
beautiful nature”
Summarise what Dorian means to Basil and how Basil feels towards this
young man.
Dorian inspires Basil to a new vision of art combining Greek perfection with
Romantic passion. Since he met Dorian, he has created the best work of his
life. He sees art in an entirely new manner and style. He sees things
differently and thinks differently. He feels dominated by Dorian. Dorian is
more than just a sitter. Basil feels a strange pleasure in saying things to
Dorian that he might regret later. He would not be happy if he did not see
Dorian every day. “He is absolutely necessary to me.”
Summarise how Dorian and Basil met.
Two months ago, Basil went to a party at Lady Brandon. He was conscious
that someone was looking at him. He turned and saw Dorian for the first
time. Their eyes met. He tried to escape but stumbled against Lady
Brandon. Suddenly he found himself face to face with Dorian. He asked
Lady Brandon to introduce him to Dorian. He felt that they were destined
to know each other.
What theme is introduced in this chapter when Basil tells Henry, “There
is a fatality about all physical and intellectual distinction, the sort of
fatality that seems to dog through history the faltering steps of kings.”
The importance and power of beauty in relation to the intellect and the
soul and the fleeting nature of beauty. Physical and intellectual excellence
is often the downfall of those who possess them.
Why does Basil not want to exhibit the portrait of Dorian at the
Grosvenor?
Basil, without intending it, put into it some expression of artistic idolatry
(combining Greek perfection with Romantic passion) which he has never
spoken to Dorian about. He is afraid that the world might notice his
attraction to Dorian as he had put all his emotions for Dorian (which he is
unaware of) into the portrait.
