Dorian Gray Chapter 13 Flashcards
What happens during chapter 13?
Basil Hallward makes his way up into the old schoolroom in Dorian’s house where he sees the changes to the portrait and begs Dorian to pray. Dorian’s rage is sparked and he brutally murders Basil Hallward.
What are the key symbolisms/concepts in ch13?
This represents the crisis of the novel and the climax splitting the novel in effect, into two halves ending with two different deaths
Epitome of the conflict between the id/superego and the split personality. Idea of Dorian repeatedly succumbing to his primitive/primal desires and sensationalism
It also recognises the moment that the evil angel triumphs over the god angel
What pathetic fallacy is used in the ascension to the old schoolroom?
‘Rising wind’
‘Fantastic shadows on the wall’
What does Basil urge Dorian to do and what does Basil represent?
Basil represents a new testament morality/ religion as a force for retribution. Up until now Dorian has not been held accountable for his sins and judgement has been left to the morality of the reader. Basil poses a threat and Dorian seeks to free himself from conscience.
How is the death of Basil portrayed?
“choking on blood”
“drip, drip on the threadbare carpet”
Idea of Macabre - gruesome and ghastly atmosphere of killing followed by silence. Emphasises the disparity between Dorian’s motive and the action.
What feeling comes over Dorian when he goes to kill Basil?
“suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him”
How is Dorian depicted to act??
“mad passions of a hunted animal”
How does Dorian crucially talk about the double?
“each of us has heaven and hell in him”
-challenges the Christian view of good and evil as polarised and separate entities. Also an internal battle too.
Links to Stoker’s presentation of evil and as distinguishable external/ physical forces in society.
