DG Chapter 4 Flashcards
Why did Henry’s wife recognize Dorian?
She knows him well by his photographs her husband keeps of Dorian.
Who is Sibyl Vane and how did Dorian meet her?
She is an actress. Henry filled Dorian with a desire to know everything
about life. He had a passion for sensation so one night he was
determined to go out in search of pleasure. He passed an absurd little
theatre. He paid and went in. There he saw Sybil playing the role of
Juliet. She was the loveliest thing he had ever seen. He went back each
night and on the third night he was taken to the back by the persistent
Jew to meet Sybil.
How long has Dorian known Sibyl?
3 weeks
Why would Dorian not have known Sybil if it was not for Henry’s influence?
He is putting into practise everything Henry says to him. Henry filled him
with a wild desire to know everything about life.
Dorian has confused art with life in his love for Sibyl Vane. Do you think
this statement is accurate or not? Provide evidence from the novel to
support your opinion.
He is not interested in the real Sybil. He is only interested in the
imaginary character she plays. To Dorian Sybil becomes the character
that she acts – that excites him. His ambition is not to build a
relationship but to build a star. He wants to become her agent not her
husband. “Tonight, she is Imogen.” … “and tomorrow night she will be
Juliet.” “When will she be Sybil?”
“Never.”
He is under the influence of Henry who believes art is superior. Dorian
believes one should turn one’s life into art. That is what he is doing with
Sybil.
How has Dorian changed from the boy we met in Basil’s studio?
He has developed a more fully passionate nature. His true nature has
revealed itself and his desires more open and stronger. He is selfish and
manipulative. He was becoming self-conscious. “His sudden mad love
for Sybil was a psychological phenomenon of no small interest. There
was no doubt that curiosity had much to do with it, curiosity and the
desire for new experiences.” “This is merely the beginning.”
What is Henry’s view of Dorian’s romance with Sybil?
He is sceptical.
