Dorian Gray Essay Planning

Dorian Gray Essay Planning 1. Despite moments of self-awareness, Dorian Gray continues to live a life of hedonism. Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your response should take the form of a wellconstructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages). Thesis Statement (Introduction): In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde presents a protagonist torn between fleeting self-awareness and an all-consuming commitment to pleasure. Although Dorian Gray occasionally recognises the moral consequences of his actions, his desire to pursue beauty, indulgence, and personal gratification ultimately overshadows any intention to reform. The novel shows that Dorian’s moments of reflection are shallow and short-lived, reinforcing the extent to which he is trapped in a hedonistic lifestyle. Body Paragraph 1 – Dorian’s early adoption of hedonism P: Dorian is introduced to the philosophy of hedonism by Lord Henry and quickly adopts it as a way of life. E: Lord Henry tells Dorian to live for beauty and pleasure, influencing his outlook permanently. E: “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” E: Dorian begins to see life as a work of art, seeking out aesthetic and sensual experiences. L: From the start, Dorian is captivated by the promise of a life without moral consequence, setting the tone for his future behaviour. Body Paragraph 2 – Dorian’s lifestyle of indulgence and excess P: Dorian’s wealth enables his pursuit of pleasure without any practical restrictions. E: He collects rare items, changes interests on whims, and immerses himself in extravagant activities. E: He frequents the theatre, opera, and opium dens, building a reputation for decadence. E: “He grew more and more enamoured of his own beauty, more and more interested in the corruption of his soul.” L: His hedonism deepens over time, becoming more extreme and self-indulgent, despite periodic feelings of unease. Body Paragraph 3 – Moments of self-awareness and regret P: While Dorian has flashes of guilt and self-awareness, they are often superficial and fleeting. E: After Sibyl’s suicide, he feels remorse but quickly dismisses it, blaming her for being too emotional. E: He reflects briefly after murdering Basil and blackmailing Alan Campbell but does not stop his destructive behaviour. L: These moments suggest Dorian has a conscience, but he lacks the resolve to act on it in any meaningful way. Body Paragraph 4 – The portrait as a symbol of Dorian’s moral decline P: Dorian's ability to externalise guilt through the portrait allows him to avoid facing the consequences of his actions. E: He hopes doing one “good” deed will restore the painting, but is disappointed when it does not. E: Eventually, he stabs the portrait in an attempt to escape his guilt, which results in his death. E: “It had been like conscience to him.” L: The portrait mirrors Dorian’s inner corruption, and his destruction of it is a final attempt to destroy his conscience rather than truly reform. Conclusion: Dorian Gray's journey is marked by a constant tension between fleeting moral insight and his devotion to a hedonistic life. Although he demonstrates awareness of the harm he causes, he repeatedly chooses pleasure over integrity. Oscar Wilde uses Dorian’s fall to critique the dangers of unchecked aestheticism and the illusion that one can separate beauty from morality. In the end, Dorian's self-awareness is too shallow to save him from the consequences of a life lived without restraint. 2. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde shows how the more reprehensible 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). Thesis Statement (Introduction): Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray powerfully illustrates how morally reprehensible traits such as selfishness, cruelty, corruption, and indifference can lead to the downfall of both the individuals who possess them and those around them. Characters like Dorian Gray and Lord Henry embody these qualities, and their choices ultimately result in ruin, death, and despair. Wilde’s portrayal suggests that unchecked vice and the pursuit of pleasure without conscience are deeply destructive forces. Body Paragraph 1 – Dorian’s narcissism and moral decline P: Dorian’s obsession with youth and beauty leads him to embrace selfishness and cruelty. E: Early in the novel, he disregards his social obligations to Basil and Lady Agatha in favour of spending time with Lord Henry. E: His cold rejection of Sibyl Vane after her poor performance results in her suicide. E: “You have killed my love... Without your art, you are nothing.” (Dorian to Sibyl) L: These actions show how Dorian’s narcissism and lack of empathy cause pain and death to those closest to him. Body Paragraph 2 – Dorian’s descent into vice and corruption P: With the knowledge that the portrait bears the consequences of his actions, Dorian descends into a life of moral depravity. E: He indulges in gambling, drug use, and sexual immorality, frequenting opium dens and brothels. E: He takes pleasure in corrupting others while protecting his public image. E: “There was something in his face that made one trust him at once.” L: Dorian’s double life is sustained by hypocrisy and manipulation, which contribute to the destruction of others and himself. Body Paragraph 3 – The impact of Dorian’s reprehensible behaviour on others P: Dorian’s selfish and immoral actions destroy the lives of those around him. E: He murders Basil, the man who loves him and seeks to guide him morally. E: He blackmails Alan Campbell into disposing of Basil’s body, leading to Alan’s eventual suicide. E: His role in Sibyl’s death drives her brother, James Vane, to seek revenge—a cycle that ends in James’s death. L: Dorian’s unchecked vice causes widespread destruction, both emotional and physical, to innocent and guilty alike. Body Paragraph 4 – Lord Henry’s indifference and indirect responsibility P: Lord Henry’s influence and disregard for consequences highlight how detachment from morality can be just as harmful. E: He treats Dorian as a social experiment and delights in his corruption. E: “The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.” E: He never accepts blame for the damage caused by his ideas, yet is arguably complicit in Dorian’s downfall. L: Wilde uses Lord Henry to critique the dangers of intellectual irresponsibility and moral detachment. Conclusion: Wilde’s novel clearly supports the idea that reprehensible qualities—such as cruelty, selfishness, corruption, and moral indifference—lead to personal and collateral destruction. Dorian Gray’s pursuit of pleasure and aestheticism ruins countless lives, including his own, while Lord Henry’s careless philosophy helps shape a tragic path. Wilde ultimately warns that the unchecked indulgence of vice and the absence of conscience are fatal flaws that destroy not only individuals but the society around them. 3. 'It is true that those we meet can change us, sometimes so profoundly that we are not the same afterwards.' Critically discuss the validity of this statement in relation to Dorian Gray. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages). Thesis Statement (Introduction): In Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian's transformation from an innocent young man into a morally corrupt figure is shaped significantly by his encounters with others—particularly Basil Hallward and Lord Henry. While some aspects of Dorian’s personality suggest he may have been predisposed to vanity and wilfulness, the profound influence of these relationships is undeniable. Wilde demonstrates that the people we meet can have a deep and lasting impact, for better or worse, reinforcing the idea that human connections can radically alter our paths. Body Paragraph 1 – Basil’s influence: awakening vanity P: Dorian’s first major influence comes from Basil, whose portrait awakens Dorian’s awareness of his own beauty. E: Basil admires Dorian obsessively, calling him his artistic inspiration and painting his portrait with adoration. E: “As long as I live, the personality of Dorian Gray will dominate me.” E: Dorian becomes conscious of his looks and starts to fear their loss, leading to his fateful wish that the portrait should age instead of him. L: Basil’s worship of Dorian plants the seeds of narcissism, initiating his obsession with youth and external beauty. Body Paragraph 2 – Lord Henry’s philosophy and psychological manipulation P: Lord Henry is the most influential figure in Dorian’s life, introducing him to hedonism and aestheticism. E: He encourages Dorian to value beauty and pleasure above morality or consequence. E: “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” E: Dorian begins to see life as art and becomes increasingly detached from guilt or accountability. L: Lord Henry profoundly alters Dorian’s worldview, corrupting his innocence and accelerating his moral decay. Body Paragraph 3 – Sibyl Vane and the failure of moral redemption P: Sibyl Vane offers Dorian a chance at genuine love and emotional grounding, but his response to her “failure” reveals his corruption. E: When Sibyl gives a poor stage performance, Dorian cruelly rejects her, leading to her suicide. E: “You have killed my love... Without your art, you are nothing.” L: Instead of growing through love, Dorian, influenced again by Lord Henry, views Sibyl’s death as art, showing how his moral sense has already been perverted. Body Paragraph 4 – Dorian’s choices and predisposition P: While others influence Dorian, he is not simply a passive victim—he chooses to embrace vice and suppress guilt. E: Even when he senses the toxicity of Lord Henry’s ideas, calling them “poisonous,” he continues to indulge them. E: His decision to murder Basil and blackmail Alan Campbell are made with full awareness. L: These choices suggest that although Dorian is shaped by others, his destruction is also the result of personal weakness and moral failure. Conclusion: Dorian Gray’s descent into moral ruin is undeniably shaped by his encounters with others, especially Basil and Lord Henry, whose influence awakens and then manipulates his vanity and desires. While he is not entirely blameless, the novel supports the idea that certain relationships can have a life-altering effect. Wilde warns that the people we allow into our lives can shape our beliefs, behaviours, and ultimately, our destinies—sometimes to the point that we are no longer recognisable to ourselves. 4. The Picture of Dorian Gray illustrates the dangers of a society without moral boundaries. Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your response should take the form of a wellconstructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages). Thesis Statement (Introduction): Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray presents a chilling exploration of a society that has abandoned moral restraint in favour of beauty, pleasure, and individualism. Although Victorian London appeared conservative, the novel exposes the widespread corruption, hedonism, and social decay beneath its surface. Through characters like Dorian Gray and Lord Henry, Wilde critiques the dangers of a world in which moral boundaries are blurred or disregarded entirely—where the pursuit of pleasure leads to ruin, isolation, and ultimately, self-destruction. Body Paragraph 1 – Aestheticism, Hedonism, and moral collapse P: The popularity of Aestheticism and Hedonism in the novel reflects a society increasingly indifferent to moral responsibility. E: Lord Henry encourages Dorian to live for beauty and personal gratification, regardless of consequence. E: “The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it.” E: Dorian internalises these values, rejecting morality in favour of self-indulgence. L: Wilde uses Lord Henry’s influence to illustrate how dangerous unchecked philosophies can be in a society without ethical limits. Body Paragraph 2 – Dorian’s behaviour and the consequences of moral freedom P: Once freed from the burden of conscience, Dorian embraces corruption and causes the destruction of others. E: The magical portrait shields him from the consequences of his vices, allowing him to indulge in gambling, drugs, and sexual promiscuity. E: He becomes a murderer and blackmails Alan Campbell into disposing of Basil’s body, leading to Alan’s suicide. L: Dorian’s moral detachment demonstrates the personal and social harm caused by a lack of accountability. Body Paragraph 3 – A wider reflection of societal decay P: The society Wilde depicts is not only morally permissive but deeply unjust and divided. E: The opium dens, prostitution, and ruined reputations of Dorian’s social circle reflect widespread corruption. E: The lower classes are treated as disposable—Sibyl’s death is dismissed, and Dorian’s grandfather kills her father with impunity. L: These inequalities show a system that favours wealth and appearance over justice and humanity, highlighting how moral decay extends beyond individuals. Body Paragraph 4 – The consequences of a society without conscience P: The absence of moral structure results in emotional isolation, spiritual emptiness, and destruction. E: Dorian becomes increasingly paranoid and alienated, unable to form meaningful relationships. E: His belief that destroying the portrait will free him from guilt leads to his death. E: “Each of us has Heaven and Hell in him.” L: Wilde suggests that without moral guidance, individuals and societies ultimately collapse under the weight of their own corruption. Conclusion: The Picture of Dorian Gray powerfully critiques the dangers of a society without moral boundaries. Wilde reveals how a culture of indulgence, vanity, and disregard for human dignity leads to personal ruin and widespread decay. Through Dorian’s descent into immorality and the collapse of those around him, Wilde warns that beauty and pleasure, when pursued without conscience, become destructive forces—both for individuals and the world they inhabit. 5. The Picture of Dorian Gray is about Dorian Gray's loss of innocence. Critically discuss the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages). Thesis Statement (Introduction): Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray traces the moral and psychological decline of its protagonist, charting what many view as a tragic loss of innocence. While Dorian is introduced as charming, youthful, and seemingly naïve, his descent into vanity, cruelty, and corruption suggests a transformation from purity to depravity. However, some readers may argue that signs of egotism and self-interest are present from the beginning. This essay will explore how Dorian’s innocence is shaped and then eroded by influence, choice, and a society that values surface over substance. Body Paragraph 1 – Dorian’s initial innocence and purity P: Dorian is initially portrayed as pure and untouched by the corruption of the world. E: Basil describes him as “unspotted from the world,” and his beauty is assumed to reflect his moral goodness. E: Dorian is innocent enough to be easily influenced by Lord Henry’s provocative ideas. L: His early naivety makes him highly impressionable, reinforcing the idea that he starts the novel in a state of innocence. Body Paragraph 2 – The influence of Lord Henry and the portrait P: Dorian’s loss of innocence begins after meeting Lord Henry and seeing Basil’s portrait. E: Lord Henry exposes him to Aestheticism and Hedonism, encouraging him to seek pleasure without restraint. E: “When youth goes, your beauty will go with it... Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you!” E: The portrait awakens Dorian’s fear of aging and mortality, prompting his wish to remain forever young. L: These moments trigger the shift from innocence to self-obsession and moral decline. Body Paragraph 3 – Dorian’s moral descent and double life P: Dorian embraces a life of sin and duplicity, abandoning the moral conscience he initially struggles to uphold. E: After Sibyl Vane’s suicide, Dorian feels initial remorse but quickly suppresses it. E: He continues to destroy others—like Basil and Alan Campbell—without facing social consequences. E: He hides behind a façade of beauty while leading a life of vice. L: These actions confirm a complete loss of innocence, as Dorian becomes more calculating and callous. Body Paragraph 4 – An alternative view: was Dorian ever truly innocent? P: Some argue that Dorian’s innocence was always superficial, and his selfish nature existed from the start. E: Before his transformation, he is described as “wilful” and “petulant,” suggesting self-absorption. E: His wish to remain forever young shows vanity and a fear of responsibility. L: These traits suggest that his downfall may not be a loss of innocence but rather the revelation of his true nature. Conclusion: Dorian Gray’s journey in Wilde’s novel can certainly be viewed as a tragic loss of innocence, beginning with a vulnerable and charming young man and ending in total moral collapse. However, Wilde also hints that Dorian’s inner flaws—his vanity, selfishness, and weak moral compass—existed from the beginning. Whether we view his fate as a fall from grace or a fulfilment of latent tendencies, the novel warns of the dangers that come when innocence, once corrupted, is replaced by unchecked indulgence and a life divorced from conscience.