RIP Dorian Gray What is scarier Immortality or

RIP Dorian Gray

What is scarier? Immortality, or death? Why?

• Immortality or Death… Is there a way for us to achieve both?

Chapter 18 • What is Dorian so afraid of, that has kept him holed up at home? • When Dorian is hunting with Sir Geoffrey, what does he beg him not to do? • What does Dorian believe is the “bad omen”? • Who is the man in the thicket? • What do Dorian’s inner feelings reveal to us about his self, as opposed to his beautiful exterior? • What is Dorian’s fear associated with? How does this make us feel about him? • Now what will Dorian do with his life…?

Discussion Questions • Chapter 19 • What does Dorian promise he will do in the future? • Dorian claims to have done the right thing with Hetty (the young country girl), but how does Henry refute this? • What happens to Alan Campbell? • What does Dorian tell Lord Henry? Does Lord Henry believe him? Why? • Chapter 20 • What does Dorian expect to find when he goes to look at the picture? What is the reality? • What happens to Dorian Gray?

Oscar Wilde • Irish author • Born to two dramatic and theatrical parents • Mother: “Sperenza” • Oscar Wilde’s last words were “My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or other of us has got to go. ” • Only published one novel • Originally most famous for simply his personality • Think Kardashian • His first love married Bram Stoker (author of Dracula)

• Passionate about fashion and interior design • 1890: Dorian Gray published • Immediately criticized for its decadence and homosexual allusions • A Dandy • A man who places particular importance on physical appearance, refined language • Often strove to imitate aristocratic lifestyle

• Convicted and sentenced to prison in 1895 for “gross indecency” • “Hard labor, hard fare, and hard bed” 2 years imprisonment • Upon his release from prison, Wilde was both physically and emotionally spent. In England, his spent reputation sank to its lowest depths and he spent his final years penniless in Paris, never seeing his children again. His affair with male lover "Bosie" (also at the center of his infamous trial) disintegrated. • Fell quickly into decline after his release in 1897 • Died 1900 • Commonly thought to be syphilis

The Preface • Added after the initial publication of the story.

• If we can conclude that Wilde’s preface is stating that Art has no purpose and beauty is useless; and we understand the novel itself to be a work of art, can we believe in it? • Why do you think Wilde might have added this preface?

Culminating Exam Study Guide: Thursday! • In addition to basic plot and character knowledge, you are responsible for the following: • The Faust Legend • About 3 • Epigram & Paradox 0 Multiple Choice Qs • Victorian Freak Shows • Short a nswer (the • Gothic Genre sisdriven par agraph • Suspense (Psycho) re sponse)