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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Dorian devote himself to in Chapter Eight?

2. What does Dorian ask Basil to do in Chapter Nine?

3. When does Dorian wake up in Chapter Eight?

4. What is Sibyl’s occupation?

5. What news does Dorian receive at the beginning of Chapter Eight?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the Preface about?

2. Why does Dorian hide the painting from Basil?

3. How does Dorian react when Basil offers his condolences about Sibyl’s death?

4. What reaction does Dorian have to the yellow book? What does the yellow book signify?

5. Explain the reactions of Sibyl, Mrs. Vane, and James to Sibyl’s engagement.

6. Why does Lord Henry not pass judgment on Dorian’s engagement?

7. Why is Dorian heartbroken at the beginning of Chapter Seven?

8. What is the reason for the change in Sibyl in Chapter Seven?

9. What does Lord Henry muse over at the end of Chapter Four?

10. How does Sibyl avoid discussing Dorian with James while they walk together?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Dorian’s desire to reform himself. Is it genuine? How do you know? Why does he say he wants to reform himself? Why does he really want to reform himself? Is he successful?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Basil’s role in The Picture of Dorian Gray. How does he interact with Dorian? How does he interact with other characters in the story? How does he fit into the plot of the story?

Essay Topic 3

Define motif. How is a motif used in literature? Give at least one example of a motif in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Is this motif effective in the story? Why or why not?

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