| Artist Basil Hallward has painted a picture
he considers his masterpiece, and much too good for the likes of the traditional Salon in Paris. No, he tells Lord Henry, this one he's keeping for himself, or possibly make a present of it to the blond young man who sat for the picture. The man portrayed is an orphaned society child named Dorian Gray. Later, when Dorian finishes sitting for the portrait, he makes a wish that he would stay perfect and beautiful and youthful just like his picture at 22. Basis makes the portrait a present to Dorian. Dorian then becomes apprenticed to Lord Henry in the ways of the world, (which includes both boys and girls). This is what Basil Hallward feared the most: his beautiful blond boy becoming decadent like Lord Henry. When an actress named Sybil Vane commits suicide over a broken engagement to Dorian, the picture takes on the slight look of cruelty around the mouth. Dorian indulges himself in his money and social fame, and his face remains unchanged. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1600-1899 Life of a profession: Internal struggle/realization? Yes Struggle over Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Job/Profession/Status story Yes Love problems? - gay guy urges Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality Unusual characteristics: Main Adversary Identity: - Male Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () City? Yes City: - London Misc setting Writing Style Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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