7.1 Refer to line 3: 'I am not worthy of him.
'
Explain why Sibyl feels that she is not worthy of Dorian's love
Answer - Sibyl feels this way because Dorian is a member of the upper class and as a poor,
working-class girl she would be seen as inferior to him. She is surprised that a man of his
stature and physical attractiveness would be interested in her.
7.2 What impression of Dorian Gray is created in Sibyl's use of 'Prince Charming'
Answer - 'Prince Charming' is a title usually associated with fairy-tale princes who rescue
damsels in distress. Dorian is perceived to be a saviour/hero with noble attributes. It is
assumed that he is wealthy and of a higher social class.
7.3 Refer to line 10: 'Ah! let me be happy for ever!'
Discuss the irony in this line.
Answer - Sibyl views their love as genuine. She assumes it will bring her joy and last forever.
However, when Dorian cruelly rejects her, it is clear that his love for her is insincere. Her joy
and optimism for the future are destroyed. Her subsequent devastation causes her to cut her
life short by committing suicide.
7.4 Refer to lines 14–15: 'However, as I said before, if he is rich …'.
Discuss what Mrs Vane's reaction to Dorian as a suitor for Sibyl reveals about her
character.
Answer - Mrs Vane's reaction to Dorian's pursuit of Sibyl demonstrates that she is
opportunistic and shallow. She sees Dorian as a means of financial gain for their family. She
is pragmatic as she realises that this relationship would improve the quality of her and her
daughter's life.
7.5 Account for the use of the word, 'lad' (line 1) to describe Dorian.
Answer - ‘Lad’ refers to a young boy or adolescent. By using the word in relation to Dorian,
his child-like and innocent outlook on life is emphasised. He is still immature and
inexperienced in the ways of the world. As a youngster, Dorian is impressionable and more
likely to be influenced by the intriguing theories espoused by Lord Henry.
7.6 Refer to line 18: ‘He won't like you the better for keeping your promises. He always
breaks his own’.
Discuss how this line contributes to your understanding of Lord Henry.
Answer - Loyalty and fidelity are unimportant to Lord Henry. He sees such concepts as
outdated/old-fashioned and repressive. Instead, he believes that the only person one should be
devoted to is oneself. Lord Henry likes to be contrary and to oppose the generally accepted
norms of society. He is selfish and self-serving. He also enjoys being cynical and making
controversial statements.
7.7 Refer to lines 6–7: ' ''I shall stay with the real Dorian,'' he said, sadly.'
Comment on the significance of Basil's remark in relation to the novel as a whole
Answer - Basil’s remark suggests that he confuses Dorian (the person) with the
representation of Dorian (the portrait) and he prefers his version; he is attracted to the beauty
and innocence of Dorian as reflected in the portrait. This implies that Basil realises that
Dorian is already falling under the influence of Lord Henry and that he prefers Dorian prior
to the changes that are already starting to manifest themselves. This objectification of Dorian
is unrealistic as Dorian’s appearance and character should be allowed to change as he matures
and experiences life. As the novel progresses, the real Dorian becomes a perversion of what
Basil admires about him. Basil is unable to distinguish reality from art, and in fact prefers art
to life.
7.8 Refer to lines 6–7: 'I have put too much of myself into it.'
Explain what these lines suggest about Basil's state of mind.
Answer - Basil believes that his feelings for Dorian are reflected in the portrait and will be
obvious for all to see. He is concerned that the portrait exposes his preoccupation with Dorian
and the intensity of his affection. Basil feels vulnerable and is afraid of being ridiculed for his
adoration of Dorian.
7.9 Refer to lines 1–3: 'Lord Henry elevated … opium-tainted cigarette' and line 8:
'Lord Henry stretched himself out on the divan and laughed.'
Based on your knowledge of the novel as a whole, comment on the lifestyle of the upper
classes in Victorian London.
Answer - Lord Henry's smoking an 'opium-tainted cigarette' indicates the hedonistic lifestyle
led by many members of the upper classes. They lead lives of leisure and indulge in
questionable behaviour. They have no need to work and thus their lives are shallow and lack
purpose. Indolent, pampered and self-indulged, their own comfort is paramount to
them..They are frivolous, carefree and nonchalant. As observers rather than active
participants in society, they are largely unconcerned with the problems faced by the less
fortunate.
7.10 Why do you think the reader is first introduced to Dorian via his portrait?
Answer - By introducing Dorian via his portrait, the reader is filled with anticipation and is
keen to know more about the man behind the portrait. The description of the portrait, and
Lord Henry's response to it, create an aura of mystery, which intrigues the reader. By
focusing the reader's attention on Dorian's beauty, it is suggested that appearance is more
important than character.
7.11 Discuss the differences between Sibyl's and Dorian's lifestyles
Answer - Sibyl comes from a working class background. Her home is sparsely furnished and
'dingy'. Dorian is a member of Victorian aristocracy who is surrounded by opulence. The
Vanes have to borrow money to survive, while Dorian has money to fritter away on luxuries.
7.12 Refer to line 15: ' "This is your doing, Harry," said the painter bitterly.'
Based on your knowledge of the novel as a whole, critically discuss whether Lord Henry
is responsible for Dorian's lifestyle choices.
Answer - Lord Henry might be held responsible as it is he who introduces Dorian to the idea
that life should be lived for beauty and that the pursuit of pleasure is paramount. He
convinces Dorian to adopt these values, and to live a self-indulgent lifestyle; he tells Dorian
that he should yield to temptation and not feel bound by the rules of society. Lord Henry's
encouraging Dorian's narcissism leads to Dorian's fatal wish to remain forever young and
beautiful. He lives by the yellow book given to him by Lord Henry, seeking out increasingly
decadent experiences and becoming more corrupt with each one.
