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Place the extract in context - NSC English HL - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 2
Question 7
Place the extract in context. Why do you think the reader is first introduced to Dorian via his portrait? Refer to lines 4–6: 'he is charming ... is horribly thoug... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Place the extract in context - NSC English HL - Question 7 - 2019 - Paper 2
Step 1
Place the extract in context.
Answer
The extract presents a crucial moment in Oscar Wilde's 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', where Dorian’s character is first unveiled through the lens of his portrait. This moment occurs as Lord Henry visits Basil and is introduced to Dorian, highlighting his striking beauty and the pivotal role it plays in the narrative. The backdrop of a Victorian society that values aestheticism provides a perfect setting for Dorian's tragic trajectory.
Step 2
Why do you think the reader is first introduced to Dorian via his portrait?
Answer
The introduction of Dorian through his portrait serves to encapsulate the allure and superficiality that define his character. This method creates an immediate fascination, inviting the reader to explore Dorian’s personality as seen through the admiring eyes of Basil and Lord Henry. Furthermore, the portrait symbolizes Dorian’s eventual descent into vanity and moral decay, foreshadowing his obsession with beauty that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Step 3
Refer to lines 4–6: 'he is charming ... is horribly thoughtless'. In the light of later events, discuss how this behaviour is typical of Dorian.
Answer
Dorian is introduced as a charming individual, yet his thoughtlessness foreshadows the emotional detachment he will exhibit throughout the novel. This dichotomy suggests that Dorian’s outward charm masks a deeper selfishness and a lack of moral responsibility. As the story unfolds, his behavior reinforces this characterization, leading him to commit acts that reflect a profound disregard for others, all in pursuit of personal pleasure and youth.
Step 4
Refer to lines 11–12: 'Genius lasts longer than Beauty.' Using your knowledge of the novel as a whole, discuss the validity of Lord Henry's assertion that Basil's 'Genius' will outlast Dorian's 'Beauty'.
Answer
Lord Henry's statement highlights the transient nature of physical beauty compared to the enduring impact of artistic genius. Throughout the novel, Dorian's beauty becomes a curse rather than a blessing, leading him down a path of destruction. In contrast, Basil's artistic talent, despite his tragic end, represents a legacy that transcends superficiality. This juxtaposition suggests that while beauty fades, the influence of true artistry can resonate through time, thus validating Lord Henry's assertion.
Step 5
Discuss the significance of Dorian's choice of hiding place for the portrait.
Answer
Dorian’s choice to hide the portrait in a remote area signifies his desire to conceal the reality of his moral decay and the consequences of his actions. By distancing himself from the image that reflects his true self, Dorian attempts to maintain an illusion of beauty and innocence. This act symbolizes his internal conflict and the ultimate futility of escaping the repercussions of his choices, revealing the theme of duality in his character.
Step 6
Dorian and Basil both forsake their souls but have different reasons for doing so. Using EXTRACTS A and B as a starting point, comment on the validity of this statement.
Answer
Both Dorian and Basil abandon their moral integrity, yet their motivations diverge significantly. Dorian’s pact with the devil is driven by his desire for eternal beauty and youthful pleasures, while Basil's sacrifice stems from his admiration for Dorian and the desire to immortalize him through art. Their choices illustrate the contrasting ways individuals can yield to temptation, ultimately leading to their respective downfalls—Dorian's through hedonism and Basil's through misguided loyalty.