Dorian Gray Chapter 11 Flashcards
How is Dorian able to retain a good reputation even though rumors about his deplorable lifestyle are beginning to emerge in fine society?
His physical appearance does not suggest a man who does what the rumors suggest.
How does Dorian’s relationship with his portrait evolve over time?
He begins to gaze upon it, mocking it, relishing in his beauty and its horrific visage.
What effect does Dorian’s presence in society have on young men and women?
Men idolized and admired him, women were attracted to him.
How do Dorian’s lifestyle and his ideals reflect the principles of Hedonism?
Dorian practices this by having the best of everything, from fashion to decorum
How does Dorian’s paranoia in regard to the portrait first emerge?
Sometimes when he was hosting parties, he would suddenly leave his guests to make sure that his portrait was okay.
What object becomes the fixation of Dorian’s life?
the book about the Parisian.
What curious way does Dorian decorate the yellow book?
He procures multiple copies of it from Paris and has each bound in various colors to match his changing moods.
How does Dorian view himself in the yellow book?
he story seems to mirror his own life, except that while the protagonist loses his beauty, Dorian remains striking - a feeling he takes pleasure in
How do Dorian’s friends and acquaintances talk about him?
They gossip about his “sensual” lifestyle, they are still captivated by his appearance and enduring youth.
What reclusive thing does Dorian start to do?
He occasionally vanishes from society for enigmatic excursions, and each time he returns, he checks on the portrait, which continues to grow more hideous.
How does Dorian feel when he looks upon the changing portrait?
He becomes increasingly fascinated, feeling a sense of superiority over the image.
Does Dorian remain in the upper class?
He manages to maintain his position in society by hosting lavish parties with artists, music, and the finest decorations and art pieces.
How do the men in Dorian’s circle view him?
They admire the way he epitomizes ideals of beauty and style.
What is the ultimate form of art to Dorian?
life itself
As Dorian matures he gains considerable status and influence in society, what does he do with it?
he tries to become a symbol of modernity, embracing sensuality and pleasure over traditional virtues.
What does Dorian lament about history?
how it favors valor and sacrifice over enjoyment.
What does Dorian do under Henry’s guidance?
He embraces a new lifestyle, replacing puritanical values with passion and sensory experiences. To him, the nighttime world of dreams, shadows, and hallucinations feels real.
Explain Dorian’s relationship with Catholicism and Darwinism?
Initially drawn to Catholicism, Dorian is captivated by its idols and lavish rituals, but he finds he cannot adhere to a strict doctrine similarly unable to commit to a single limiting theory of existence to Darwinism as well.
What are Dorian’s primary interests as they shift away from religion & philosophy?
perfumes, music, jewels, and tapestries.
What part about Dorian’s new interests really fascinate him?
He becomes fascinated by the romantic tales behind them—stories of kings and queens who donned extravagant crowns and scepters, and the origins of intricate embroidery from exotic cultures.
What does Dorian feel compelled to regularly do?
to examine the state of his soul in the portrait and becomes anxious when he can’t.
What happens when Dorian’s anxiety intensifies and his actions increasingly peculiar? What does he still do?
his friends grow more suspicious of him, and as gossip spreads he is denied entry to establishments and shunned by those who once adored him. Despite this, he maintains a mysterious allure.
What belief of Henry’s continues to hold true?
that entertainment, manners, and material wealth matter more for social standing than morals appears to hold true.
What does Dorian begin to do in his house?
He takes pleasure in walking through his home and examining the portraits of his ancestors
What does Dorian see in the portrait of his ancestors? How does he feel?
He appreciates the extravagant attire and attractive appearances, recognizing how their various passions have shaped his own character.
What does Dorian see in literature?
his heritage, feeling that the figures from plays and novels narrate parts of his personal journey.
What does Dorian continually return to
He returns to the yellow-bound book, rereading his favorite passages about violence, poison, and seduction.
What allusion does Dorian make when he discusses how his contemporaries view him?
He makes references to Dante and Gautier
What topics does Dorian obsess over?
Art
Fashion
Music
What beliefs does Dorian obsess over?
Catholicism
Mysticism
Darwinism
What physical luxuries did Dorian obsess over?
Perfume
Jewelry
Embroideries
Why did Dorian sell his houses so he could be in England as much as possible?
To be closer to the painting, as he hated being separated from the painting as he was afraid that someone would sneak in and see it
How did anxiety overcome Dorian?
At times he’d rush away from social gatherings to his home in order to confirm that the painting had not been tampered with
Why would Dorian occasionally go to dreadful places so he could then be driven out from them?
To then return back to the painting and take pleasure in its deformity
Which club and which person contested Dorian’s presence if not outright denying it?
West End Club & the Duke of Berwick
How does Dorian’s appearance help him retain his social standing?
His debonair manner, a charming boyish smile, and the grace of his youth were sufficient
How did Dorian’s scandals affect him positively?
It increased his strange and dangerous charm
How should society be like art according to Dorian?
Like art its form and presentation must matter
According to Dorian what does civil society believe to be the most important?
Manners are of more importance than morals
What chapter does Dorian revisit the most in the yellow book? Why?
The 7th chapter and the two immediately following it because they exemplify hedonism and material pursuits
What does Dorian take a curious delight in?
That art, like nature, has its monsters
What had Dorian Gray been poisoned by?
A book
