Chapter 5

Text of Book

Chapter 5, page 1

Chapter 5, page 2

Chapter 5, page 3

Chapter 5, page 4

Chapter 5, page 5

Chapter 5, page 6

Chapter 5, page 7

Chapter 5, page 8

Chapter 5, page 9

Chapter 5, page 10

Chapter 5, page 11

Chapter 5, page 12

Chapter 5, page 13

Questions

1)	What is the main idea of this chapter?

2)

Setting the scene inside the theater, the author describes the audience: "The youths in the gallery had taken off their coats and waistcoats and hung them over the side. They talked to each other across the theatre, and shared their oranges with the tawdry painted girls who sat by them. Some women were laughing in the pit; their voices were horribly shrill and discordant. The sound of the popping of corks came from the bar." What does "discordant" mean?

3)	Sibyl's acting performance is described as being a complete failure: she spoke the words as if they conveyed no meaning to her. It was not nervousness. Indeed, so far from being nervous, she seemed absolutely self–contained. It was simply bad art." What does "convey" mean?

4)	Backstage after the play, Dorian is surprised to learn that Sibyl's bad performance was intentional. She doesn't care that he and his friends were bored. "She seemed not to listen to him. She was transfigured with joy. An ecstasy of happiness dominated her." What does "dominate" mean?

5)

Sibyl explains that falling in love with Dorian in real life has ruined her enjoyment of acting. She now sees the theater and all it contains as an "empty pageant". She wants Dorian to take her away from the theater because, "Even if I could do it, it would be profanation for me to play at being in love. You have made me see that." What does "profanation" mean?

6)

When Dorian tells Sibyl he has fallen out of love with her, she becomes upset, which causes Dorian to feel even less kindly toward her: "There is always something ridiculous about the passions of people whom one has ceased to love. Sibyl Vane seemed to him to be absurdly melodramatic. Her tears and sobs annoyed him." What does "melodramatic" mean?

7)

Even though it seems impossible, Dorian believes that his portrait will age while he remains young. He thinks that the painting will serve as his conscience, reminding him of what he has done right or wrong. He feel sorry for the painting then, and thinks, "Its gold would wither into gray. Its red and white roses would die. For every sin that he committed, a stain would fleck and wreck its fairness." What does "wither" mean?

8)	After Dorian has noticed the change in his portrait, he reflects on his behavior toward Sibyl. How does he feel about the way he treated her?

9)	Were there any events that weren't clear to you?