Pro Arte Alphen Park

English HL Grade 12 (2021)

The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
Glossary and Questions

Glossary for chapter 1

bourdon – the lowest note languidly – lazily
conjectures – odd opinions lionize – to exalt, to treat as a celebrity
disquiet – unease, restlessness listless – without energy
divan – a backless couch précis – a summary
dowagers – widows with money or titles proletariat – the low social class
inherited from their husbands scrupulous – careful, precise
enmity – hatred, dislike truculent – stubborn
ensconced – sheltered

Questions for chapter 1

1. Even though he does not appear in this chapter, why is the person of Dorian Gray
important?
2. What prediction does Basil Hallward make about the three of them?
3. What contrast does Lord Henry make between Basil and Dorian?
4. What is the significance of the painting Basil is working on?
5. According to Basil, how has Dorian affected his work as an artist?
6. Why does Basil say he will never exhibit the portrait?
7. WHy does Basil not want Lord Henry to meet Dorian? WHat promise does he want
Lord Henry to make?
8. Explain the allusion to Narcissus.
9. Discuss these three epigrams from Lord Henry. In which ways do they reveal his
character?
a. “Conscience and cowardice are really the same thing… Conscience is the
trade-name of the firm. That is all.”
b. “The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world.”
c. “...the one charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely
necessary for both parties.”
d. I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good
characters, and my enemies for their good intellects. A man cannot be too
careful in the choice of his enemies.”

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Glossary for chapter 2
articulate – expressible in words petulant – rude, demanding
candor – honesty, openness philanthropy – good will towards
caprice – a whim humanity; the act of giving money to the
dais – a raised platform less fortunate.
degenerate – to decline, deteriorate sallow – yellowish
fidelity – loyalty, devotion stellated – resembling a star
laden – overloaded superficial – concerned only with the
languorous – weariness, lethargy obvious, the surface
moue – a grimace, frown varnished – covered with a glossy finish
palid – [pallid] pale wanes – lessens, becomes less intense
panegyric – an oration, speech , formal wizen – dry, shrunken
praise

Questions for chapter 2

1. What do Dorian and Lord Henry have in common when they first meet? Describe
Dorian Gray.
2. What awkward situation arises when Basil wants to work on the portrait?
3. What ideas does Lord Henry express about life?
4. How does Lord Henry affect Dorian?
5. How is this related to the effect music has on Dorian?
6. WHat role does Lord Henry play in the relationship among the three men: Basil, Dorian
and Lord Henry?
7. What assessment does Lord Henry make about Dorian?
8. How does Dorian react to his portrait? How could the paint be used as a symbol?
9. What does Dorian say about himself and the portrait?
10. Why does Basil try to destroy the canvas?
11. To whom does the painting belong?
12. What plans do they make for the evening?
13. What promise does Basil refer to at the end of the chapter? What is Lord Henry’s
response?

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Glossary for chapter 3
arcade – an archway lucrative – profitable
capital – excellent mediocrity – a person who has average or
capricious – impulsive, unpredictable ordinary qualities
carnal – relating to the sense; sexual paradox – a self-contradictory statement
cheroot – a small cigar posed – positioned
collieries – coal mines steeplechase – a race that contains
despatches – official reports different obstacles
egad – a mild curse subaltern – an inferior; a person in the
facile – easy; easily completed; simple military of a lower rank
genial – friendly supercilious – feeling superior;
improvisation – a creation, written or contemptuous and haughty
spoken continuously without preparation taint – a negative hint or implication
indolence – laziness travail – agony
jarvies – drivers of coaches and carriages verities – long-established truths
liveries – dressed

Questions for chapter 3

1. What does Lord Henry do the next day? What is figure of speech employed in the
statement on beauty and tragedy?
2. What plan does Lord Henry have for Dorian?
3. Who is present for the lunch at the home of Lord Henry’s aunt?
4. How does Lord Henry behave during lunch? WHy does he act this way?
5. What effects does he have on Dorian Gray?
6. What happens at the end of this chapter that shows the changing nature of the
relationship among Basil, Dorian and Lord Henry?

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Glossary for chapter 4
arbitrary – random, illogical frieze – a horizontally oriented sculpture
abstruse – difficult to understand labyrinth – a maze
aphorisms – witty sayings lethargy – weakness
consummate – of the highest degree; maladies – problems
perfect mean – low, inferior
cornucopias – an abundance; horn of myriads – many; uncountable numbers
plenty pathos – sorrow, sadness
cosmopolitan – worldly, sophisticated sensuous – relating to the senses, not the
crucible – a nightmare, ordeal intellect
début – a first appearance, usually of a sordid – dirty, filthy
performance tawdry – cheap; showy, but worthless
efficacy – efficiency; ease of tempest – a storm
accomplishment turbid – muddy; filled with confusion
esprit – wit; spirit; joy vivisecting – cutting open to investigate
frangipanni – a sweet-smelling perfume wainscoting – oak panelling

Questions for chapter 4

1. Where is Dorian Gray a month later?

2. Describe Lord Henry’s home.
3. Describe Lady Victoria Henry.
4. What do Dorian and Lady Henry discuss?
5. What is Lord Henry’s attitude toward marriage, as expressed to Dorian?
6. Who is Sibyl Vane? What is Dorian’s relationship with her?
7. Why is Dorian so enamoured of Sibyl Vane?
8. What is Lord Henry’s attitude toward love, marriage and actresses?
9. How does Sibyl Vane appear to feel about Dorian?
10. How do they spend their time?
11. In what way is Lord Henry pleased about this new development in Dorian’s life?
12. Why does Dorian want Basil and Lord Henry to come to the theater that night?
13. What is Lord Henry’s attitude toward psychology?
14. What does Lord Henry learn when he arrives home?
15. Discuss these epigrams from Lord Henry:
a. “Men marry because they are tired; women, because they are curious; both
are disappointed.”
b. “Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the
triumph of mind over morals.”

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Glossary for chapter 5
affectations – falseness of manners; four-in-hand – a carriage drawn by horse
“putting on airs” furrow – a wrinkle
affluence – wealth morose – gloomy, sad
apes – imitates omnibus – a vehicle similar to a bus
bismuth – a chemical compound placid – calm, undisturbed
frequently used in medicine prudence – wisdom
bushrangers – bandits querulously – complainingly
drudge – a person who does manual ribands – ribbons
labour; a commoner tableau – an arrangement
enthrall – to captivate, thrill tittered – chuckled
espial – spying vistoria – a small carriage
Questions for chapter 5

1. What shift in setting is used in this chapter? Why is it done?

2. How does Sibyl Vane feel about Dorian?
3. What are her mother and brother’s attitudes? How do these opinions support or refute
Lord Henry’s comments?
4. Where is James Vane going? Why?
5. Why is James so concerned about Sibyl?
6. Why is Jim not able to know who this man is?
7. What does Jim mean when he responds, “He had better,” to Sibyl’s declaration that
“Prince Charming” would love her forever?
8. What question does Jim ask his mother before he leaves for Australia?
9. What does he learn? What does he say about Sibyl?
10. How does their illegitimacy reference Lord Henry’s beliefs?
11. What promise does Jim make as he leaves?
12. How does his mother react to this remark?

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Glossary for chapter 6
brougham/hansom – types of carriage jerkin – a type of jacket
degradation – shame, disgrace, narcissus – a plant with yellow or white
humiliation flowers
egotism – selfishness prig – a morally upright/conservative
incorrigible – incurably bad person
invariably – without fail reform – improve, reorganise
irrevocable – unable to be changed vermouth – a type of liquor

Questions for chapter 6

1. How does Basil react when Lord Henry tells him about Dorian’s engagement?
2. What is Lord Henry’s attitude?
3. Who is the person alluded to in: “If he wedded Messalina he would be none the less
interesting.”?
4. When Dorian arrives, what is his mood?
5. Find a simile on page 69.
6. What does Basil say to Dorian?
7. What does Lord Henry suggest about the marriage proposal?
8. What does Dorian say is Sibyl’s effect on him?
9. What is Lord Henry’s definition of “good”?
10. Why does Lord Henry say that Dorian will always be fond of him?
11. What is Basil’s feeling at the end of the meeting?
12. Discuss these epigrams from Lord Henry:
a. “Whenever a man does a thoroughly stupid thing, it is always from the noblest
motives.”
b. Women...inspire us with the desire to do masterpieces, and always prevent us
from carrying them out.”

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Glossary for chapter 7
anodyne – medicine to stop pain eon – age, period, time
ardent – strong; burning like fire ere – before
callousness – heartlessness, insensitivity fiasco – a farce; a complete failure, mess
cynical – skeptical; inclined to find and interminable – seeming endless
point out faults listless – without movement
discordant – not in harmony; jarring, nacre – mother-of-pearl
clashing piteous – pitiful, pathetic
disdain – hatred, contempt, disgust portico – a porch
divinity – religion profanation – something unholy, ruined, or
elocution – the way we express ourselves; desecrated
speech sham – a trick, hoax

Questions for chapter 7

1. Describe the atmosphere at the theater that evening.

2. How does Lord Henry act?
3. How does Basil act? Why?
4. Describe Sibyl as she steps on stage.
5. What happens during her performance?
6. How does Dorian react?
7. What does Basil say? What is Lord Henry’s attitude? What does Dorian say?
8. What do Basil and Lord Henry do? What does Dorian do?
9. What is Sibyl’s explanation for her performance that evening?
10. What is Dorian’s response to her?
11. What does Sibyl say to keep him from leaving? What does she not tell him about Jim?
12. How does Dorian spend much of the rest of the night after leaving Sibyl?
13. Dorian arrives home. What does he see when he looks at Basil’s portrait?
14. How is the portrait used as a symbol?
15. How is the portrait an example of a ‘doppelganger’?
16. After he has studied the portrait carefully, what vow does Dorian make?
17. What is his feeling? How is it different from before?
18. The term ‘male chauvinism’ is a twentieth century one. Find a section on page 81 in
which Dorian expresses that type of prejudice.

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Glossary for chapter 8
abject – lowest; despicable inquest – a formal hearing in law
affinity – similarity lurid – shocking
asphodel – a type of yellow flower nil – nothing, zero
atoned – made up for; paid for opiates – pain killing drugs
cognizance – recognition; understanding prussic acid – a type of poison
desecration – destruction/ruining of rejoined – responded
something holy reminiscences – memories, recollections
epigrams – witty sayings, aphorisms reparation – the act of restoring or
farce – something ridiculous or foolish repairing
fortnight – two weeks sacrament – a holy thing
fraught – filled with sanguine – red, bloody
incoherence – a lack of logic; not making stifled – deliberately quiet, muffled
sense winsome – attractive

Questions for chapter 8

1. How does Dorian spend the next morning?

2. What order does he give Victor, his valet?
3. What does he realise when he looks at the portrait again?
4. What decisions does he make now?
5. The omniscient narrator explains Dorian’s feelings. What is the point of view
expressed here?
6. What does he learn when Lord Henry arrives?
7. Why does Dorian feel that he has murdered Sibyl Vane? What are some of his
reactions? What elements of his personality are emphasised?
8. How does Lord Henry convince Dorian that the entire affair is to Dorian’s advantage?
9. How does Dorian respond to this explanation? What can be inferred about Lord
Henry’s personality by what he himself says on page 90?
10. What reference does Lord Henry make to Dorian’s youth and good looks?
11. What does Dorian observe about the portrait after Lord Henry leaves?
12. How does he now view Sibyl’s death?
13. Dorian is at a crossroads in his life. What path does he choose to follow?
14. How is the portrait used as a mirror symbol? He reasons that ‘when winter came upon
it [the portrait], he would still be standing where spring trembles on the verge of
summer.’ (page 92) What figure of speech is this quotation?

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Glossary for chapter 9
ennui – boredom misanthrope – a person who despises
idolatry – admiration, worship other people
improbable – unlikely panegyrics – written praises
incarnation – a visible form reticences – qualities of reluctance and
induce – to provoke, to cause restraint; uncommunicativeness
intolerable – unable to be withstood

Questions for chapter 9

1. What is Basil Hallward’s state of mind when he comes to Dorian’s home the next
morning?
2. How does Dorian act?
3. Why is Basil horrified by Dorian’s behaviour? On whom does he blame this?
4. What has Basil been unaware of concerning Sibyl’s death?
5. What is Dorian’s only concern now?
6. Why is Basil won over by Dorian? What arguments or logic does he use?
7. The omniscient narrator explains Basil’s thoughts exactly as they occur to Basil. Find
the irony in his concept of Dorian.
8. Why does Dorian not expect to have to give any information at the inquest into Sibyl’s
death?
9. What request does Dorian make of Basil?
10. What awkward confrontation occurs between Basil and Dorian?
11. Why does Dorian not understand Basil’s desire to exhibit the portrait?
12. What is Basil’s explanation of the secret about not wanting to exhibit the painting?
13. What does Dorian realise? How does he feel?
14. How does he assess his friendship with Basil?
15. What does Dorian decide to do about the painting?

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Glossary for chapter 10
archaisms – out-of-date, obsolete genial – friendly
expressions impassive – without emotion
argot – jargon; speech pertaining to a impecuniosity – poverty, indulgence
particular area or trade inevitable – bound to happen or occur
bestial – horrid, like a beast inveterate – habitual
cadence – natural rhythm obsequious – submissive; showing a
cassone – [Italian] a chest flattering nature
censure – a reprimand pall – a heavy cloth used on a coffin
defile – to taint, corrupt petulantly – rudely
flaccid – loose, weak renunciations – self-denial; repudiations
florid – red, ruddy reverie – fond memories
garrulous – talkative steadfastly – firmly
gauntleted – worn like gloves wan – weak; pale

Questions for chapter 10

1. What directions does Dorian give to his valet, Victor?

2. What directions does he give to his housekeeper, Mrs. Leaf?
3. What momentary thought does he have about Basil?
4. What note does he give to Victor?
5. How does he move the portrait to a safe place?
6. What does he know will happen to the picture? How does this fit with the picture
being a symbol?
7. What does he do when he returns downstairs?
8. What is his reaction the newspaper clipping about Sibyl Vane’s inquest? Why do you
think Lord Henry sent the clipping to Dorian?
9. Analyse the exchange between Lord Henry and Dorian at the end of this chapter.

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Glossary for chapter 11
alchemist – a person who tried to fopperies – overly showy ways of dressing
transform lead into gold; dabbler in ancient frankincense – a fragrant perfume
chemistry gratification – satisfaction; reward
ambergris – a strong-smelling material hovenia – a type of raisin tree
used in perfume hyacinth – a type of flower
anchorite – a person living like a hermit, in insolences – rudeness, disrespectful acts
seclusion iridescent – shining, glimmering
ardor – passion, enthusiasm irreproachable – blameless
calumnies – false, evil statements about jacinth – a flower like a hyacinth
someone lutes – instruments similar to guitars
canons – rules, laws macaroni – a dandy; a fancily dressed man
carbuncles – spots macerated – thinned; worn
cardinal – most important melancholy – extreme sadness
champak – a tree similar to a magnolia monstrance – the place where
coiners – counterfeiters Communion wafers are kept
consorted – associated with myriad – many; nearly beyond count
cope – a cloak palmates – having the shape of a palm or
cornelian – a type of mineral used to make hand
jewellery plumaged – feathered
coronation – the ceremony crowning a poignant – affecting the senses; touching
ruler pomander – a mixture of various
corporals – linen cloths used in religious fragrances
celebrations prefiguring – foreseeing
dalmatic – a robe worn by priests procured – obtained
debonair – refined, sophisticated saturnine – slow to act; gloomy
decried – disapproved of seraph’s – angle’s
detriment – harm, loss, injury smiting – hitting, striking
doleful – sad-sounding, mournful sojourn – a stay
ducal – something that belongs or relates sonorous – noisy; giving off loud sounds
to a duke spikenard – an aromatic herb
ecclesiastical – relating to the clergy stomacher – the center part of a dress
effigy – the representation of a person viands – food
used for mockery or scorn zithers – musical instruments with strings
enamored – in love with, smitten by that are plucked to make music
feigned – pretended

Questions for chapter 11

1. How does the book sent by Lord Henry affect Dorian over the next years?
2. What is Dorian’s position in English society?
3. What is Dorian’s attitude toward himself and his portrait?
4. What does he do at night?
5. What part does the portrait upstairs play in Dorian’s life?
6. What rumours circulate about Dorian?
7. Why is his position in society secure?
8. How does Dorian view the past?

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 9. How does the novel sent by Sir Henry continue to influence Dorian?
Glossary for chapter 12
blasphemy – an act of disrespect profligacies – excesses; great immoralities
curate – a clergyman siphons – rubber tubes or pipes
marqueterie table – a table made of stanch – [stauch] strong and steadfast; to
various colours of wood stop the flow of
prate – to babble ulster – a heavy overcoat

Questions for chapter 12

1. What are Basil Hallward’s plans?

2. Why does he seek out Dorian Gray at his home?
3. What ironic comment does Basil make?
4. Why is Basil so concerned about Dorian? On whom does he place the blame for
Dorian’s behaviour?
5. What does he want Dorian to do?
6. What does Dorian say he will show Basil? Why is Basil shocked?
7. What question does Basil want Dorian to answer?

Glossary for chapter 13

arabesques – ornamental objects with parody – a humorous or satirical imitation
elaborate decorations press – a cabinet or cupboard
balustrades – a railing

Questions for chapter 13

1. What atmosphere is created as the two men walk upstairs? Give examples from the
text which emphasise this atmosphere.
2. Explain the significance of “You are the one man in the world who is entitled to know
everything about me. You have had more to do with my life than you think.”
3. What is Basil’s reaction to seeing the portrait?
4. Describe the portrait. Give specific examples that show the evil nature of the portrait.
5. How does Basil describe the picture? How does Dorian describe it?
6. Explain the significance of “Each of us has Heaven and Hell in him.”
7. What does Basil do and encourage Dorian to do?
8. How is Dorian overcome by great passion?
9. What does Dorian do? How does he feel afterward?
10. How is Basil referred to?
11. How will Basil’s disappearance be easily explained?
12. What does Dorian do to provide himself with an alibi, just in case he might need one?
13. What does he do at the end of the chapter?

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Glossary for chapter 14
arcades – a series of arches ghastly – shocking; frightful
averted – avoided; turned aside leering – staring in an evil way
battened – grew fat; increased in health liveries – uniforms
beryl – a translucent, glassy material loathsome – horrid; hideous; hated
dank – moist, wet pallor – paleness
entreat – to beg precipice – a cliff
fetid – stinking, offensive to smell stealthy – careful, secretive
follies – foolishness vestige – last remaining part; a trace

Questions for chapter 14

1. How does Dorian spend the night?

2. What does he feel when he remembers the murder?
3. Do you consider his breakfast behaviour strange?
4. What does he do after breakfast?
5. What was the relationship between Dorian and Alan Campbell in the past?
6. Why is Dorian so intent on seeing Alan Campbell at this time? What talent or area of
special interest does Alan Campbell have?
7. What request does he make when Alan arrives?
8. How does he convince Alan to do whatever he wants, no matter how outlandish or
bizarre?
9. How does Dorian get the servant out of the way? How long will he be away?
10. What is Dorian’s mood at this time?
11. How has the portrait changed?
12. What does Alan Campbell do after he leaves Dorian’s home?

Glossary for chapter 15

alliterative – repeating of the first sounds inordinate – excessive
of words joviality – jolliness, cheerfulness
atone – to make up for mausoleum – a crypt, tomb
brazier – a metal receptacle ormulo – shiny metal
corroborative – making more certain; pastilles – aromatic substances
adding to; evidentiary tedious – tiresome, boring
dowdy – not tidy or neat; out-of-style unadulterated – unaltered, unchanged
embalmed – preserved

Questions for chapter 15

1. Where is Dorian at eight-thirty that evening? Does his behaviour seem strange?
2. How does Dorian behave during dinner?
3. What remarks by Lord Henry upset Dorian?
4. What does Dorian do when he returns home?
5. Where does he go at midnight?
Glossary for chapter 16

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automatons – robots; mechanical figures oblivion – insensibility; a state of being
gaunt – thin withdrawn
haggard – worn, tired opium – an addictive, narcotic drug
infamy – a bad reputation; evil quay – a harbour
interminable – endless theologians – people who study religion
iteration – a statement; utterance vengeance – revenge
mackintosh – a raincoat writhed – twisted

Questions for chapter 16

1. Explain the significance of “To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses
by means of the soul.”
2. Find examples of descriptions and diction which create an atmosphere of darkness
and evil.
3. Who is Adrian Singleton? Why is Dorian upset by his presence in the bar?
4. What encounter does he have with an old woman as he leaves the opium den?
5. Who accosts him on the street and for what reason?
6. How does Dorian convince the man that he is accosting the wrong man?
7. What does the man learn from the old woman after Dorian leaves?

Glossary for chapter 17

abdicate – to give up ledger – a record book
hypocrisy – insincerity riposte – a witty answer, comeback
jaded – dulled by experience, scepticism – doubting; questioning
unimpressed; cynical simile – a comparison between things

Questions for chapter 17

1. Where is Dorian Gray a week later? Who else is present?

2. What is the topic of conversation at the dinner table?
3. What happens that shocks everyone?
4. Why is Dorian afraid to be alone?

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Glossary for chapter 18
beaters – those who make loud noises to plenitude – abundance
flush out prey presentiment – an omen; prediction of the
bracken – a thicket future
dog – to worry, plague, bother slumberous – related to sleep
fancy – a whim spectral – like a phantom; barely visible
pepper – to shoot at tussock – a small tuft of grass
perturbed – agitated

Questions for chapter 18

1. What distresses Dorian the next day?

2. How does imagination play a part in his fears?
3. What does he do on the third day? How has he changed?
4. What happens during his walk with the Duchess at Selby Royal?
5. Is there anything strange about Dorian’s concern about the shooting of the rabbits?
6. According to Lord Henry, who is at fault for the incident that has occurred?
7. What is Dorian’s attitude to death?
8. What remark does Lord Henry make about the accident that day?
9. What effect does this have on Dorian?
10. What does Dorian decide to do? Why?
11. What does Dorian learn from the gamekeeper? What does he confirm for himself?
12. What is his state of mind at the end of this chapter?

Glossary for chapter 19

cheeky – impudent, rude revivalist – one who leads religious
idyll – a peaceful narrative revivals
nocturne – music composed to represent stagnate – to rot or decay
evening or night trellis – an interwoven pattern
novelty – new or unique uncouth – uncultured
procuring – obtaining vinaigrette – a small box for aromatics
renunciation – a rejection vulgar – crude; common

Questions for chapter 19

1. What decision has Dorian made about his life?
2. What is Lord Henry’s reaction?
3. What does Dorian learn from Lord Henry about the latest topics of interest in society?
4. What possible explanations are given for Basil’s disappearance?
5. How does Lord Henry respond to Dorian’s “confession”?
6. What questions does Lord Henry pose to Dorian?
7. Why does he ask his very last question?
8. On what does Dorian insist when Lord Henry says that Dorian will never change?
9. How has the book Lord Henry sent to Dorian affected his life?
10. How does Lord Henry reply?
Glossary for chapter 20

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irretrievable – unable to be recovered or unsullied – unspoiled; perfect
rescued visage – a face
tarnished – marred; ruined

Questions for chapter 20

1. When he returns home that evening, what question weighs on Dorian’s mind?
2. What happens when he looks at his image in a mirror?
3. Why does he go upstairs to look at the portrait?
4. What does he see?
5. What does he decide he must do?
6. How does the life of Dorian Gray come to an end?
7. What do the servants find when they enter the room upstairs?

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