Flashcards on The Picture of Dorian Gray: Introduction
The Picture of Dorian Gray Introduction: Analysis & Summary
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Dorian Gray — Literary Fiction
232 cards
Card 1
Question: Where is the scene set at the start of the excerpt from The Picture of Dorian Gray?
Answer: In an artist's studio filled with the scent of roses and other garden fragrances, with an open door leading to the garden.
Card 2
Question: Which two characters are present in the studio scene?
Answer: Lord Henry Wotton and the artist Basil Hallward.
Card 3
Question: What occupies the centre of the room in the opening scene?
Answer: A full-length portrait of a young man of extraordinary personal beauty clamped to an upright easel.
Card 4
Question: How does Wilde describe the outside sounds contributing to the studio's atmosphere?
Answer: The sullen murmur of the bees and the dim roar of London, described as like the bourdon note of a distant organ.
Card 5
Question: What physical detail is given about Lord Henry's cigarette smoke?
Answer: Thin blue wreaths of smoke curl up in fanciful whorls from his heavy opium-tainted cigarette.
Card 6
Question: What emotion or reaction does Basil Hallward have when looking at his portrait?
Answer: A smile of pleasure that almost lingers, then he suddenly starts up, closes his eyes, and presses his fingers on his lids as if trying to imprison a d
Card 7
Question: What suggestion does Lord Henry make about showing the painting?
Answer: He suggests sending it next year to the Grosvenor, saying the Academy is too large and vulgar.
Card 8
Question: How does Basil respond to Lord Henry's suggestion to exhibit the painting?
Answer: Basil says he doesn't think he will send it anywhere and insists, "No: I won't send it anywhere."
Card 9
Question: What does Lord Henry criticize about painters' attitudes toward reputation?
Answer: He says painters do anything to gain a reputation, but once they have one they seem to want to throw it away.
Card 10
Question: What warning does Lord Henry give about youth and beauty?
Answer: Youth and beauty last only a few years; when youth ends, beauty goes with it, leaving no triumphs and causing dreadful suffering as time warps appeara