The Picture of Dorian Gray

Perform a detailed analysis of Dorian Gray’s portrait. What message does Wilde assert through the visual and thematic presence of the painting?

Use outside sources that give historical context for the homosexual male experience during the time period in which The Picture of Dorian Gray takes place. Then, situate Basil Hallward within this context. Through Basil, what is Wilde communicating about the homosexual male experience of the era?

Consider Lord Henry’s views on gender and beauty. How does Dorian’s gender allow Lord Henry to celebrate vanity while maintaining a misogynistic viewpoint towards women and their purported “uses” of beauty?

Perform a detailed character analysis of Lord Henry Wotton. Carefully parse the character’s contribution to the plot, as well as his station at the beginning, middle, and end of the narrative. What message does Wilde form through the character’s presence and influence throughout the narrative?

What is Wilde’s satirical position on the aristocratic class? Use characters, in-depth quote analysis, and/or thematic analysis in order to bolster your perspective. 

What is the function of Sybil Vane’s character? What themes and messages does Wilde achieve through her arc? Use direct quotes to support your point of view. 

What is the novel’s message about aesthetic ethics? Use direct quotes and citations of sources within the disciplines of aesthetics and/or ethics to support your point of view. 

Parse the shortcomings of the moral and satirical dimensions of The Picture of Dorian Gray in relation to the large body of feminist literature that engages with the idea of vanity vis-a-vis both the oppression and popular resistance of women. How does Wilde’s work fail to account for the feminine dimensions of the idea of vanity?