These notes were compiled by using the following previous examination papers.
(DBE/2019) (DBE/2021NOV) (DBE/2020NOV) (DBE/2023JUN)(DBE/2021JUN)
(EC/SEPTEMBER 2017), DBE/November 2017, EC/ SEP 2022, JUN DBE/2022, DBE/November
2022
The Picture of Dorian Grey by
Oscar Wilde
These notes were compiled by using the following previous examination papers. Some
information is repeated to show you he different ways in which the questions are asked
in exams/ tests.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde shows how the more reprehensible1 qualities
of human beings can destroy people. Critically assess the validity of the above
statement in relation to the novel.
Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½
pages).
↘ Qualities such as selfishness, cruelty to others as well as harmful, depraved or
corrupt behaviour might be considered reprehensible.
↘ Dorian's narcissism and his determination to pursue his own pleasure lead him to
engage in dishonourable behaviour. His self-centredness is clear when he
chooses to spend time with Lord Henry rather than fulfil his commitments to Basil
and Lady Agatha.
↘ His cruel and callous treatment of Sibyl is inexcusable and leads to her suicide.
↘ When Dorian realises that the portrait grants him freedom from censure, he
begins to indulge in increasingly dissolute behaviour, such as gambling, getting
into fights with sailors and frequenting opium dens and brothels.
↘ He takes pleasure in the corrupting influence he has on others, while not taking
any of the blame for their ruined reputations. The lives of those whom he has
influenced are all destroyed.
↘ Dorian is duplicitous, hiding his corrupt nature from
society in an attempt to preserve his reputation
and position.
↘ Dorian's murder of Basil is particularly
reprehensible, given Basil's love and concern for
him.
↘ Dorian's blackmailing of a clearly reluctant Alan
Campbell is disgraceful. Alan later commits suicide
as he is unable to live with the shame of his
actions.
↘ Dorian's reprehensible treatment of Sibyl might be
seen as a contributing factor in James Vane's
, 3
death as her death prompts James to seek revenge. Candidates might argue
that James's desire for revenge is in itself reprehensible and destructive.
↘ Arguably, Dorian's depravity and his disgust at his own reprehensible behaviour
contribute to his destruction.
↘ Lord Henry's disregard for the consequences that his controversial statements
might have on others reflects his indifferent and insensitive nature. Lord Henry is
selfish when he considered using Dorian.
The novel exposes the superficial and hypocritical nature of its main characters and the
society in which they live. Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with this
statement. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450
words (2–2½ pages).
→ Wilde draws attention to the superficiality and hypocrisy of Dorian, Lord Henry
and to a lesser degree, Basil as well as the society in which they live.
→ Dorian's wish to remain youthful and handsome is a reflection of his society's
shallow preoccupation with outward signs of attractiveness and worth.
→ When his wish is fulfilled, Dorian is able to lead a double life: socialite by day and
degenerate by night. His portrait is symbolic of this hypocrisy. Dorian remains
physically beautiful and unblemished, but the portrait becomes deformed and
ugly.
→ Dorian displays a superficial and fleeting concern for
the poor; playing a duet with Lady Agatha for the poor
is unlikely to make any significant difference in their lives
and he is quick to forget his commitment when a more
appealing experience is offered to him.
→ Dorian's indifference to Sibyl's and Basil's death is
indicative of the superficiality of his feelings; his concern
is for himself rather than others.
, 4
→ While appearing to avoid ugliness, Dorian paradoxically seeks it out; he is drawn
to the dingy underbelly of London's docks, opium dens and brothels.
→ Lord Henry preaches the principles of aestheticism and hedonism and while he
surrounds himself with many beautiful objects (most notably Dorian), his pursuit of
hedonism is conservative and essentially harmless.
→ Many of Lord Henry's paradoxical statements criticise the restrictive
narrowmindedness of the times in which he lives. He refers to 'monstrous laws'
that regulate people's lives and prevent them from expressing themselves.
However, while he encourages Dorian to ignore such restrictions, there is no
evidence that he does so himself.
→ Lord Henry is a married man, but he is dismissive of marriage and discourages
Dorian from marrying.
→ Basil is drawn to Dorian's good looks and refuses to believe that he is capable of
anything unpleasant or immoral.
→ Sibyl is also enamoured by Dorian’s appearance, referring to him as ‘Prince
Charming’; she believes that he will save her from a life of drudgery.
→ Victorian society was supposedly morally conservative, and yet immorality
abounds. The novel conveys the idea that a society that is too repressive
encourages hypocrisy.
→ Dorian's many vices are excused because of his attractiveness, while Alan
Campbell and Adrian Singleton are victims of society's judgement. This superficial
response to people is symptomatic of society's double standards and hypocrisy.
→ Dorian and his peers' adherence to the principles of aestheticism leads them to
value appearance more than substance ('manners are of more importance
than morals'). They are materialistic, surrounding themselves with luxurious/lavish
furnishings and beautiful objects. Their lives are shallow; they do little more than
attend parties where they indulge in gossip and trivial conversation.
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