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By Stanley Switalski

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Stanley Switalski's 7 Deadly Sins - A Gallery

By Stanley Switalski

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Aim: How can Dorian change that one aspect/flaw that may prohibit him from accomplishing his goals or being a good person?

Do Now: If I can change one flaw about myself it would be...because...

Why do you think Dorian resolves to be good and self righteously thinks he has made a good beginning by sparing Hetty Merton from his further advances.

The reason Dorian resolves to be good is because he is looking for a new life. Like the text states, " Nor, indeed, was it the death of Basil Hallward that weighed most upon his mind. It was the living death of his own soul that troubled him." Now humans have a normal tendency to try to justify their wrongs, as Dorian was doing in this chapter by reviewing all of his sins. However it was his latest good deed, sparing Hetty Merton from his further advances, that made him think he could justify and revert his life. If Dorian wasn't looking for a new life, none of this would matter to him. He would have no reason to justify and rectify his sins.

Dorian alludes to the possibility of murder; Lord Henry responds there was not reason why Basil would be murdered. Dorian "confesses"; Lord Henry says that is impossible because Dorian does not have it in him to commit such a vulgarity. Why?

Only Dorian and the dead know of his evil and wicked soul. This is why Lord Henry says that it is impossible for Dorian to commit murder. Lord Henry believes that the beautiful, which Dorian "apparently" is, can only do beautiful things and would never stoop so low. However, Dorian is not naturally beautiful; his beauty is more like a mask, as he states. Therefore Dorian appears to be a beautiful man doing good, yet in reality he is close to the devil himself.
In short, because the public only sees the mask of beauty and prestige, Lord Henry could not know what Dorian has done.

Analyze Lord Henry's reference to, "What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?" What is Dorian's response to Lord Henry's quote. What is this an allusion to?

"What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?"

This quote essentially describes the moral of the novel and Dorian's life. What it is saying is what could a person do with the power of god if they had no soul? By losing the soul, you are essentially losing the person and leaving a skeleton. So although you would gain "the whole world," you would not be there to enjoy and utilize such a gain.
Dorian's response to Lord Henry's quote is "Why do you ask me that, Harry?" This is because Dorian is afraid that Lord Henry might be on to his secret about the painting. Later Dorian answer's his quote by saying, "The soul is a terrible reality. It can be bought, and sold, and bartered away. It can be poisoned, or made perfect. There is a soul in each one of us. I know it." This is an allusion to Dorian's discovery of how he has permanently lost his soul to the devil, even after trying to find it again by doing a good deed.

Why does Lord Henry wish to exchange places with Dorian?

From the text: "I wish I could change places with you, Dorian. The world has cried out against us both, but it has always worshiped you. It always will worship you. You are the type of what the age is searching for, and what it is afraid it has found. I am so glad that you have never done anything, never carved a statue, or painted a picture, or produced anything outside of yourself! Life has been your art. You have set yourself to music. Your days are your sonnets."
In my own words, Lord Henry, being obsessed with beauty, is depressed that he is growing old and losing his beauty. He now listens to the younger generation as he finds their views important and contradicts the older generation as "they solemnly give you the opinions current in 1820." However, by locking in forever youth as Dorian has, Lord Henry would be forever happy and forever admired.

What does Dorian blame Lord Henry for?

Dorian blames Lord Henry for poisoning him with the book. "Yet you poisoned me with a book once. I should not forgive that. Harry, promise me that you will never lend that book to any one. It does harm."

What is Dorian's summation of his life and the implications?

Dorian summarizes his life by saying, "[Dorian] remembered how pleased he used to be when he was pointed out, or stared at, or talked about. He was tired of hearing his own name now." At one point Dorian was extremely proud of his fountain of youth. He was proud that he could lock in the beauty that he never knew he had. Yet, as soon as he saw in the painting what this everlasting beauty did to him, he regretted ever making the pact with the devil. "All his failure had been due to that [the pact]. Better for him that each sin of his life had brought its sure swift penalty along with it. There was purification in punishment."

How does Dorian react to the final viewing of his portrait and what this leads him to do?

"A cry of pain and indignation broke from him. He could see no change, save that in the eyes there was a look of cunning and in the mouth the curved wrinkle of the hypocrite. The thing was still loathsome--more loathsome, if possible, than before--and the scarlet dew that spotted the hand seemed brighter, and more like blood newly spilled. Then he trembled. Why do you think it may be too late for Dorian to reform?"
Seeing how there was no hope for himself, he decided that his only option was to destroy the painting so that it could no longer wear the sins of his life. "Was he really to confess? Never. There was only one bit of evidence left against him. The picture itself--that was evidence. He would destroy it."

Why do you think it may be too late for Dorian to reform?

It is definitely too late for Dorian to reform as he has already hurt/killed too many people on his decline. Although he might think he could reform himself, the dead cannot and will not allow his soul to reform.

What is the significance of the knife and where was the fatal wound?

The significance of the knife is that it is the same that Dorian used to kill Basil, and now it was going to kill the artist's last existance. "As it had killed the painter, so it would kill the painter's work, and all that that meant. It would kill the past, and when that was dead, he would be free." After attempting to destroy the painting, the knife had killed Dorian instead stabbing him directly in the heart.

How did they know the "withered, wrinkled, and loathsome of visage" that was laying on the floor was Dorian?

The servants had to look at the rings to tell that the old dead man was indeed Dorian Gray.

How is his death a work of art?

One could say that Dorian's death is a work of art as it restores the once beautiful painting. His death could also be considered a work of art as it was a beautiful ending to a confused, traumatized old man.

Homework: Complete the following sentence "The final scene of The Picture of Dorian Gray symbolizes..."

The final scene of The Picture of Dorian Gray symbolizes the concept that with age shines true beauty and intelligence.

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1-6-09: Classwork

By Stanley Switalski

Aim: Where in the novel can we identify the cause and effects of characters sins or misdemeanors?
Do Now: Complete the sentence:

The worst thing that ever happened to me was being jumped by bloods on my way to work because I tried to get ahead of the large crowd instead of trying to blend in.

Chapter 14 Questions

Examine the cause and effect of Basil’s death on Dorian and the significance of his reaction.

The reason Dorian Gray decided to murder Basil was a sudden feeling of hatred towards Basil. As the novel states, "Dorian Gray glanced at the picture, and suddenly an uncontrollable feeling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though it had been suggested to him by the image on the canvas, whispered into his ear by those grinning lips."
As for the effect, there was none on Dorian. He was able to sleep though the night without worrying about what he had just done. "The man had to touch him twice on the shoulder before he woke, and as he opened his eyes a faint smile passed across his lips, as though he had been lost in some delightful dream."

Analyze the interchange between Dorian and Alan.

The interchange between Dorian and Alan was quite intimate, however filled with hatred. The novel lets us know that Dorian and Alan were, at one point, best of friends. However, there seems to be an event where Alan no longer wished to be a friend of Dorian's, and so they went their separate ways. When Alan first arrived at Dorian's house, Alan stated "I had intended never to enter your house again, Gray. But you said it was a matter of life and death." After going back and forth talking about their deteriorated friendship, it gets to the point where Dorian is forced to blackmail Alan in order to get him to dispose of Basil's body. From there, Alan never wants to see Dorian again.

Identify the cause and effect of Alan’s visit to Dorian.

The reason Alan made a visit to Dorian's house was because Dorian had sent a messenger to Alan's estate with a message stating that Dorian needed his help in a "life or death matter." This matter just so happened to be the murder of Basil and it could have ruined Dorian if the public found out about it.
The effect of Alan's visit is that he is forced to help Dorian as he blackmailed Alan. Dorian had written a letter and addressed it to a certain someone; when Alan read the letter, "his face became ghastly pale and he fell back in his chair. A horrible sense of sickness came over him. He felt as if his heart was beating itself to death in some empty hollow."

What is symbolic about what Dorian sees in the portrait after murdering Basil?

The symbolism can be seen in the "red dew that gleamed, wet and glistening, on one of the hands [in the painting], as though the canvas had sweated blood." This is symbolic of the murder of Basil.

Let’s speculate on the content of Dorian’s letter to Alan.

I can only guess that the letter is written to a current lover or institution that proclaim's Alan's abusive homosexuality. The reason I say this is because of this line: "You treated me as no man has ever dared to treat me--no living man, at any rate. I bore it all. Now it is for me to dictate terms."

Chapter 15 & 16 Questions

Discuss the significance of the dinner party Dorian attends: think in terms of Dorian living a double life.

There are two ways that the dinner party can be significant in relation to Dorian living a double life. The first is the fact that the party was being held by Lady Narborough and many other females would be there that, according to Lord Henry, Dorian could flirt with. However, we clearly know that Dorian has an affinity for men. This is a prime example of his double life.
Another example of his double life is when we find out about Dorian's addiction to opium. He treasured going into a stingy, run down Opium Den and meeting with "Adrian Singleton," a low-life opium junkie. Yet, he attends this high class dinner party a day earlier? Clearly a double life.

What is the irony of Lady Narborough’s statement to Dorian “Lord Henry is very wicked…but you are made to be good---you look so good."

What is particularly ironic about her statement is that Lord Henry isn't anywhere near as wicked as Dorian has, and yet she is stating that Dorian is a "good man" as he looks and was made to be good.

Examine Dorian’s application of the notion “To cure the soul by means of the senses, and the senses by means of the soul.”

The statement means that in order to cure your soul, sometimes to need to take a step back and enjoy things the world offers. Yet to cure your physical being, you first need to cure your soul. As we discover, Dorian indulges in a lot of drugs, sex and violence. This is what he strives for to "cure his soul" and therefore his senses. Specifically in chapter 16, Dorian seeks an Opium Den in a rough part of London to cure his soul by means of the sense, and his sense by means of his soul.

What does Dorian’s visit to the Opium Den reveal about him?

There are two things revealed about Dorian. The first, and most obvious, is that he is addicted to Opium and this particular Opium Den is his regular stop for a fix. We can tell this from when he first walks in and heads directly to the location where Opium is smoked, calls out a name who responds "Where else would I be" and has a fit with a women whom he obviously does not like. The second thing revealed about Dorian is that he should be in his forties, but because he looks like he is twenty, he is able to fool James Vane.

Describe the opium den.

The Opium Den is located in a "dark lane" near the waters edge where "Over the low roofs and jagged chimney-stacks of the houses rose the black masts of ships." The Opium Den is "a small shabby house that is wedged in between two gaunt factories." Inside hangs a "tattered green curtain" and there are "flaring gas-jets, dulled and distorted in the fly-blown mirrors that faced them, that are ranged round the walls." Further into the den is a staircase that leads into "a darkened chamber."

What is the effect when the woman calls Dorian “Prince Charming”? Who else referred to Dorian as Prince Charming is there a different meaning behind the name calling?

When the woman calls out "Prince Charming," the sailor sprawled out on the table immediately gets up and chases after Dorian. Why is this? It is because the sailor is James Vane and remembered before her sister passed away that she used to call the man that indirectly killed her "Prince Charming." Now he seeks to avenge her death.
Although Prince Charming may have meant a handsome gentleman, it also means "A man who ardently seeks the company and affection of women." So although the woman was calling Dorian Prince Charming, it was for both definitions.

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12/15/08 - Classwork and Vocabulary

By Stanley Switalski

Aim: How can we recall information about the text and organize our thoughts and ideas in various forms?
Do Now: Complete the following sentence, I am Dorian Gray and my greatest sin so far is...and give a reason why?

I am Dorian Gray and my greatest sin so far is killing Basil Hallward over envy. He was a good friend and innocent gentleman who was just looking out for me. However, my personality changed because of how envious I was of his painting and felt the need to kill him. How cruel of me, and yet I can do nothing but try to forget that terrible night.

Servility	(Adj.) Having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others. All the children in the class silenced in a servile manner.
Garrulous	(Adj.) Excessively talkative, esp. on trivial matters. Some state that Henry talks in a garrulous manner, especially when it comes to sports.
Impecuniosity	(N) Having little or no money. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had died in impecuniosity.
Obsequious	(Adj.) Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree. Dorian's butler is extremely obsequious, as it is part of his job description.
Renunciation	(N) The formal rejection of something, typically a belief, claim, or course of action. To become an excellent driver, it requires the renunciation of all possible distractions in the car.
Sensual	(Adj.) Of or arousing gratification of the senses and physical, esp. sexual, pleasure When eating, I only pay attention to the sensual features of the food and not the sensual features of the environment.
Poignant	(Adj.) Evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret. "Your poignant attitude is not appreciated at this memorial service," my cousin whispered.
Fopperies	(N) A man who is concerned with his clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way; a dandy. Some say that I am one of many fopperies that they know, however I beg to differ.
Profligacy	(N) Recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources. Americans are world-renowned for their profligacy in automotive choices.
Pathos	(N) A quality that evokes pity or sadness. Exams and quizzes always manage to invoke pathos into my overall attitude.
Alchemist	(N) The medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter. It was concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir. Some people today still believe in alchemists and their medicinal powers.
Frescoes	(N) A painting done rapidly in watercolor on wet plaster on a wall or ceiling, so that the colors penetrate the plaster and become fixed as it dries. Becoming popular because of his frescoes, people from all of the world come to see how the artist is able to create such beautiful pieces of work.
Calumnies	(N) The making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander. Although some may not believe their calumnies have a lasting affect, they eventually find out the hard way that rumors are not fun and games.
Ego	(N) A person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance. Although there are some people who are entitled to having an ego, it often leads to arrogance and a terrible personality.
Ennui	(N) A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. In order to sidestep any ennui, I will either browse the internet or make origami figures out of regular loose leaf paper.

The Picture of Dorian Gray	Similarities	Se7en
Lord Henry was an extremely strong influencer and manipulator	Both utilize the seven deadly sins in order to develop the plot.	There is no such influential/manipulative force in the film.
In The Picture of Dorian Gray, there are many homosexual references.	At one point in the plot there is one character chasing after the gentleman committing the seven deadly sins.	There are no homosexual references in the film so far.
It only rains once during the entire novel.	Both Detective Somerset and Dorian are not married.	It is always, always raining during the daytime but never during the night. It is as though there is a constant storm that will never stop unless the sun goes down.
Only one person knows of Dorian’s devilish personality.	Both Detective Mills and Lord Henry are married.	The entire world knows of John Doe’s crimes but no one knows who it is.
	There is an indirect competition in both. In The Picture of Dorian Gray, Basil and Lord Henry compete for time with Dorian. Detective Mills was fighting against Detective Somerset for the case and his position.
	Both Dorian and Detective Mills were close to death.
	Both Lord Henry and Detective Somerset seek the help of another person to get more information about a person.
	The innocent always seem to die. Basil was an innocent man and was killed by Dorian. Most of the victims in Se7en seem innocent subjects of John Doe’s sick mind.

I have moved onto English 8 With Ms. Hyde

Classwork 1/22/09 - 1/23/09

Stanley Switalski's 7 Deadly Sins - A Gallery

1-9-09 - Classwork

1-6-09: Classwork

12/15/08 - Classwork and Vocabulary

12/10/08 - Our Eulogy for Sibyl Vane

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