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. Here is an example of one: Dorian spends time becoming obsessed with perfumes, learning about how they are made, and philosophizing on what they can do for the soul.

Answer 1

Here’s a filled-out box list depicting what Dorian Gray may have spent his time doing or thinking about over the last several years since chapter 11:

1. Obsessed with Aesthetics: Dorian immerses himself in the pursuit of beauty, reading books on art and philosophy, and seeking to understand the various forms of aesthetic expression.

2. Indulgence in Materialism: He surrounds himself with luxurious possessions, from exquisite clothing to rare artifacts, believing that these things reflect and contribute to his beauty.

3. Reclusive Lifestyle: Dorian gradually becomes more reclusive, avoiding social gatherings to maintain his mystique and to keep his secret safe.

4. Exploration of Sin and Pleasure: He engages in various hedonistic pleasures, continually seeking out new experiences, whether in the form of exotic travels or illicit affairs.

5. Relationships with Artists: Dorian cultivates relationships with artists and creators, seeking validation through their admiration for his beauty, and often manipulating them for his own purposes.

6. Superstitious Beliefs: He becomes increasingly superstitious, reflecting on the idea of fate and the consequences of his actions, perhaps fearing that his youthful looks are a curse rather than a gift.

7. Experimentation with Drugs: Dorian experiments with various opiates and drugs that enhance his experiences, becoming fascinated by their effects on perception and consciousness.

8. Philosophical Reflections: He engages in deep philosophical reflections on morality, the nature of art, and the relationship between beauty and truth.

9. Isolation from Old Friends: Dorian distances himself from old friends, such as Lord Henry, whom he blames for his moral decline; he begins to fabricate new circles that align better with his current lifestyle.

10. Artistic Pursuits: He takes up painting or music, attempting to express the inner turmoil he feels over the years while paradoxically trying to preserve his outward beauty.

11. Continuous Obsession with the Portrait: Dorian frequently checks the state of his portrait, becoming increasingly disturbed by its deterioration, leading to a deeper obsession with maintaining his youth.

12. Yearning for Redemption: Despite his indulgence, there may be moments of introspection where Dorian considers seeking redemption or change, though he struggles to commit to it.

These points encapsulate the types of experiences and thoughts Dorian Gray may have encountered as he navigated his life marked by beauty, hedonism, and the burden of his secret.