the painting (dorian)

Question 1

the painting is the centerpiece of the plot. how does it interact with dorian throughout the narrative?

Answer 1

when dorian does something immoral, the results show on the portrait, while Dorian’s face remains unmarked and beautiful

Question 2

the painting is basils best work but why is it only seen by dorian

Answer 2

due to its magical power, it must remain unseen by everyone except dorian

Question 3

does the picture loom over the book

Answer 3

though it’s rarely seen, the picture looms symbolically and metaphorically over the entire book

Question 4

the picture takes the victorian ideal of art to its logical extreme

Answer 4

if art is useful as it teaches a moral lesson, how perfect must the painting be since it’s an immediate barometer of ethical changes?

Question 5

basils final glimpse of his masterpiece occurs..

Answer 5

•when he says that to know Dorian, he must first see his soul
•this viewing proves to be the artists undoing; horrified by the painting, his reaction leads to dorian murdering him