The Picture of Dorian Gray: chapter 6

Sensible (p. 86) : intelligent, raisonnable.

1. Find examples of Lord Henry's paradoxes p. 86 and 94.

“Basil is far too wise not to do foolish things.”

“[Acting] is so much more real than life.”

2. How do Basil and Lord Henry react to Dorian’s engagement? Fill in the blanks with the following verbs in the appropriate forms: apall, deride, enjoy, trust.

Basil is appalled that Dorian is engaged but he trusts Dorian’s feelings.

Lord Henry ridicules Dorian’s feelings but he seems to enjoy the idea.

3. According to Lord Henry, what effect has the picture had on Dorian?

Quote a sentence from the text.

“Your portrait of him has quickened his appreciation of the other personal appearance of other people.”

4. Do you think this is a good or a bad effect?

It is a progress inasmuch as Dorian is more distinguishing, more able to appreciate beauty. On the other hand, it can make him superficial, more attentive to appearances than to moral qualities.

5. Show that Dorian idealizes Sibyl.

He identifies her to literary heroines, such as Juliet and Rosalind. Moreover, he compares her to a sculpture. In both cases, he sees her as a work of art more than as a real-life human being.

The Picture of Dorian Gray: chapter 7

6. How well does Sibyl play?

Horribly.

7. How does Basil react?

He sympathizes with Dorian and tries to find excuses for Sibyl.

8. How does Lord Henry react?

He makes fun of Sibyl but says that it does not matter since she will stop acting when she marries Dorian.

9. How does Sibyl justify her performance to Dorian?

She says she gave a poor performance intentionally because Dorian’s love has made her become real, so she cannot act any more.

10. How does Dorian react?

He is very unpleasant, says humiliating things to her and breaks off the engagement.

11. What does Dorian discover when he comes back home?

He discovers that his picture has changed. It has a cruel expression.

12. How does he react?

He realizes his behaviour has been odious and decides to make up with Sibyl.

13. What can the influence of this discovery on Dorian be: good or bad?

It may be a good influence because the picture shows Dorian his shortcomings, so it gives him the opportunity to put them right. On the other hand, it means that Dorian does not bear responsibility for his own actions and thoughts so he may feel free to do wrong.

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