Lecture Notes: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Preface

• Art should reveal beauty but not the artist.
• Criticism is a form of autobiography.
• Books are simply well or badly written, not moral or immoral.
• Art reflects the spectator, not life.
• Realism and romanticism are disliked for what they reveal or fail to reflect.

Chapter I

• Setting: Basil Hallward's studio filled with flowers.
• Characters: Lord Henry Wotton, Basil Hallward, and portrait of Dorian Gray.
• Basil refuses to exhibit Dorian's portrait because he fears it reveals too much of himself.

Chapter II

• Dorian meets Lord Henry and is influenced by his views on life and beauty.
• Dorian expresses a desire for eternal youth while the portrait ages.
• Basil paints Dorian's portrait, concerned about the influence of Lord Henry.

Chapter III

• Dorian learns about his family background from Lord Henry's uncle.
• Theme of influence and manipulation.

Chapter IV

• Dorian becomes infatuated with actress Sibyl Vane.
• Lord Henry remains a strong influence, encouraging a hedonistic lifestyle.

Chapter V - VIII

• Sibyl's family expresses concern over her relationship with Dorian.
• Dorian's engagement to Sibyl ends tragically after her poor performance.
• Dorian's cruelty leads to Sibyl's death; he begins to notice changes in his portrait.

Chapter IX - XI

• Basil is concerned about Dorian's behavior and the changes in the portrait.
• Dorian becomes more reckless, indulging in sensory experiences.
• The portrait reflects Dorian's moral corruption while he remains outwardly youthful.

Chapter XII - XIV

• Dorian's past actions begin to haunt him.
• He avoids Basil and engages in increasingly dangerous behaviors.
• Dorian blackmails Alan Campbell into destroying Basil's body.

Chapter XV - XVII

• Dorian attends a party, concealing his inner turmoil.
• James Vane, Sibyl's brother, seeks revenge against Dorian but ultimately fails.

Chapter XVIII - XX

• Dorian becomes paranoid and seeks redemption through good deeds.
• He contemplates confessing his sins but ultimately decides against it.
• Realizing his own corruption, Dorian attempts to destroy his portrait.
• Dorian dies, with the portrait restored to its original form, reflecting his true self.

Themes and Motifs

• Influence and corruption: Dorian is influenced by Lord Henry's philosophies.
• The duality of human nature: The contrast between Dorian's outward beauty and inner corruption.
• The consequences of hedonism: The pursuit of pleasure leads to Dorian's downfall.
• Art as a reflection of the soul: The portrait acts as a mirror of Dorian's true self.

Important Quotes

• "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it." - Lord Henry
• "All art is quite useless." - Oscar Wilde

Character Analysis

• Dorian Gray: Young, handsome, easily influenced, becomes morally corrupt.
• Basil Hallward: Artist, values beauty, worried about Dorian's influence.
• Lord Henry Wotton: Cynical, hedonistic, heavily influences Dorian.
• Sibyl Vane: Actress, represents innocence, destroyed by her relationship with Dorian.
• James Vane: Sibyl's brother, seeks vengeance for her death.

Conclusion

• The novel explores the perils of vanity, the corrupting influence of others, and the dangers of a hedonistic lifestyle. Dorian's tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of living a life devoid of moral responsibility.