Chapter 10 analysis of The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Summary

In this lesson, Mrs. Long delves into Chapter 10 of 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' where Dorian decides to hide the portrait that bears the marks of his sins. He chooses his old schoolroom, a place associated with his grandfather and a lonely childhood, to conceal the painting. The chapter explores Dorian's internal struggle with his hedonistic desires and the corrupting influence of Lord Henry, as well as his fleeting hope for redemption through love. The summary also touches on Dorian's paranoia and his attempt to forget Sybil's death, which is highlighted by an inquest's verdict.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Dorian Gray's realization of the portrait's significance leads him to hide it to ensure his own safety and eternal youth.
• 🏚 He decides to hide the portrait in his old schoolroom, a place with deep psychological ties to his upbringing and family history.
• 👴 Dorian's relationship with his grandfather is revealed, showing a troubled past and contributing to his current behavior.
• 🖼️ The choice of a satin coverlet, once belonging to his grandfather, to hide the portrait symbolizes the covering of his sins and corruption.
• 🔮 Dorian contemplates the future, hoping for a love that might purify him and shield him from the sins stirring within him.
• 🚫 He is determined to keep the portrait hidden from the world, reflecting his desire to maintain the facade of his unblemished youth.
• 🤔 Dorian experiences a moment of regret, considering the influence of Lord Henry and his own temperament on his actions.
• 📰 The newspaper article about Sybil's death serves as a reminder of Dorian's callousness and detachment from the consequences of his actions.
• 📚 Lord Henry sends Dorian a 'poisonous' book that fuels his obsession with living a life of hedonistic pleasure.
• 🕰️ Dorian's paranoia about his manservant Victor discovering the missing portrait shows his growing concern for his secret.
• 📖 The conversation about the difference between liking and being fascinated by something indicates Dorian's deep enthrallment with destructive ideas.

Q & A

What significant decision does Dorian Gray make at the beginning of Chapter 10 regarding the portrait?

Dorian Gray decides to hide the portrait where no one can see it, as he had previously left it exposed and realized the risk it posed to his secret.

Why does Dorian choose his old school room to hide the portrait?

Dorian chooses his old school room because it holds memories of his childhood and is a place that would not be casually accessed by others, providing a secure hiding spot for the portrait.

What item does Dorian use to cover the portrait, and what symbolism is associated with it?

Dorian uses a large satin coverlet that belonged to his grandfather to cover the portrait. The coverlet, typically used for funerals, symbolizes death and the covering of something corrupted and shameful.

How does Dorian feel about his own temperament and its influence on his actions?

Dorian acknowledges that his temperament has the potential for evil and that it could lead him to commit horrific acts that would ruin the beautiful painting of him.

What role does Lord Henry play in Dorian's life, and how does Dorian perceive this influence?

Lord Henry acts as a voice of temptation for Dorian, influencing him towards a life of hedonistic pleasures. Dorian is aware of the dangers of Lord Henry's influence but finds it irresistible.

What does Dorian hope for regarding his future, and how does he think it might affect the portrait?

Dorian hopes that some love might come into his life that could purify him and shield him from his sins, potentially altering the cruel look on the portrait's face.

How does Dorian react to the newspaper article about Sybil's death sent by Lord Henry?

Dorian reacts with indifference and annoyance, tearing the paper and discarding it, as he does not want to be reminded of Sybil's death or feel any guilt associated with it.

What is the significance of the yellow book that Lord Henry sends to Dorian?

The yellow book is a story about a young Parisian seeking to experience all passions and modes of thought, which resonates with Dorian's own pursuits. It is described as 'poisonous' and fascinates Dorian, further influencing his moral compass.

How does Dorian's relationship with his grandfather influence his choice of hiding place for the portrait?

Dorian's choice of the school room is influenced by his grandfather's disdain for him due to his resemblance to his mother and the painful memories associated with her death.

What does the room that Dorian uses to hide the portrait represent to him?

The room represents a place of his innocent boyhood, which is now paradoxically turned into a place that houses the horrors of his sinful soul.

How does Dorian's paranoia about the portrait being discovered manifest?

Dorian's paranoia is evident in his concern about his manservant Victor noticing the missing portrait and in his reaction to the newspaper article about Sybil's death.