Nearly two decades have passed since chapter 11, and Dorian is now nearly forty. Fill the boxes with what Dorian has spent his time doing or thinking about over the last several years (Hint: You may have to go back and look at chp. 11 for this info). You must fill the majority of the boxes in order to receive full points for the section.

Answer 1

To explore Dorian Gray's life and thoughts nearly two decades after Chapter 11 of Oscar Wilde's "The Picture of Dorian Gray," let's focus on key themes, activities, and reflections he might have experienced. In Chapter 11, Dorian becomes increasingly hedonistic and fascinated by aestheticism, which can be expanded upon for the years that follow:

1. Indulgence in Aesthetic Pleasures: Dorian has spent years pursuing a lifestyle filled with art, music, and literature. He frequents galleries and attends performances, collecting objects of beauty.

2. Romantic Relationships: Dorian likely engages in numerous romantic affairs, often with young and impressionable partners, reflecting a transient and superficial view of love.

3. Philosophical Reflections: He may grapple with the nature of his own immortality and the consequences of his actions, reflecting on the hedonistic philosophy he once embraced.

4. Isolation: Over time, Dorian becomes more isolated and paranoid about the possibility of his secret being discovered, leading him to push away those who care about him.

5. Conflicted Emotions: Dorian could be haunted by guilt or regret as he contemplates the lives he's ruined, including those of his former lovers or friends.

6. Obsession with Youth: He is likely fixated on maintaining his youth and beauty, investing time and resources into appearance and health.

7. Deterioration of the Portrait: Dorian may have reserved time to check on the portrait, seeing the changes as a reflection of his moral decay, potentially fostering a sense of dread about his own soul.

8. Reputation and Influence: Dorian might focus on maintaining his reputation in high society, manipulating public perception, and aligning himself with influential people.

9. Avoidance of Consequences: He may have engaged in various dubious activities to distract himself from the repercussions of his earlier actions, such as participating in scandals or unethical behavior.

10. Montage of Experience: Dorian might have a collection of memories and experiences that reflect his fluctuating existential thoughts regarding beauty, art, and morality, leading to a deeper cynicism about life.

11. Exploration of the Supernatural: He could become interested in the occult or esoteric philosophies, trying to understand more about life beyond the physical realm due to his unique situation.

12. Nostalgia for Innocence: As he reflects on his youth, he occasionally feels a sense of longing for the innocence he lost, which may prompt moments of melancholy or existential crisis.

These points capture the complexity of Dorian's experiences and thoughts over nearly two decades, reflecting the overarching themes of moral ambiguity and the relationship between art and life present in Wilde's work.