The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

 Another classic.  Must admit, I have never read this before.  It was always one that I was interested in picking up, but never got around to it until now.

There are several components to this book that I find intriguing.  Firstly, the magic of the painting is only timidly explained.  Certainly, it leaves much to the reader's imagination in that aspect.  Nonetheless, the character of Dorian Gray and how he relates to all other characters are vividly described and most compelling for the reader.  It starts and, basically, ends with the relationship between Dorian and Basil (the infamous painter); however, the unraveling of Dorian Gray I will strongly attribute to the other main-ish character, Lord Henry.  Do you disagree?

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Discussion Questions

1. In the preface, Wilde writes that "there is no such thing as a moral or immoral book."  What do you think he means by this?
2. What is the relationship between Basil and Dorian ... from beginning to end?
3. What are Lord Henry's code of beliefs?  How does he view conventional morality and in what ways does he challenge it?  How does his ways of thinking influence Dorian?
4. In the story, Lord Henry gives Dorian a "yellow book."  Apparently, this book has a great influence on Dorian because in the end he blames the book for his actions.  What do you think the book was?
5. Sybil Vane was Dorian's first love.  Do you think Dorian was actually in love with Sybil?  What do you think would have happened if Sybil did not commit suicide?
6. The portrait seems to change in ways that Dorian does not.  What does the portrait represent?  What does it suggest is happening to Dorian's soul?  Why does Dorian choose to lock it away?
7. Dorian's scandalous behavior, although not fully explained, shocks his peers, yet he remains welcome in social circles.  Why?  What is Wilde suggesting about "polite" London society?
8. James Vane, brother of Sybil, is killed by accident.  Dorian believes he is lucky and chooses to reform his life.  Was he successful?  What are some actions that he feels are moral behaviors?  
9. In the end Dorian dies, as well.  How?
10. What do you believe the moral of the story is?