Special Sub-Topic: The Chapters of Dorian Gray: Part One Click Here To Play: The Chapters of Dorian Gray: Part One

In chapter one, where did Basil first meet Dorian?

Lady Brandon's. Lady Brandon had many people over to her house to listen to some pianists. Basil and Dorian made eye contact and there was an instant connection.

In chapter two, what music was Dorian thumbing through?

Schumann's "Forest Scenes". He asked Basil to lend him the sheet music because he thought it was wonderful.

In chapter three, what is said to be the most lucrative profession in America?

pork-packers. Lord Henry and his uncle are talking about a well-to-do Englishman who had fallen in love with an American. This conversation shows a bit of disdain for America, I think.

In chapter four, why should you never marry a woman with straw-colored hair?

Because they are so sentimental.. Sibyl has blonde hair. Lord Henry is spouting his musings on the subject. As he always does.

In chapter five, where is James sailing to?

Australia. James has found a job as a sailor on a boat to Australia. Once he gets there, he is supposed to gain his fortune and return to England as a gentleman of status.

From chapter six, what is the basis of optimism?

Sheer terror. "The basis of optimism is sheer terror" is a famous quote. Oscar Wilde has many phrases that become popular quotations.

In chapter seven, what changed on Dorian's painting?

smile. After ending his romance with Sibyl, Dorian returns to find that the smile on his portrait has become cruel. It was a physical representation of his actions.

In chapter 8, what box number belongs to Lord Henry's sister?

27. Right after Lord Henry tells Dorian that Sibyl committed suicide, he invites Dorian to the opera. After all, we can't let a little suicide spoil a good opera!

In chapter 9, what street does Sibyl's mother live on?

Euston Road. The name of the street was mentioned in the newspaper article. Basil was shocked when he found out that Dorian had not been to the mother's house, but to the opera the night of the suicide.

In chapter ten, in what newspaper did Dorian read of Sibyl's inquest?

St. James Gazette. He sat down to read the "St. James Gazette" and read about her inquest. He seemed untouched as he read about how her body was examined and how no one could explain whether it was accident or murder.