1. The only wrong decision is indecision.
2. Life is like a book. It’s filled with climaxes, fairy tale endings, and disappointments. Every highlight in your life has a chapter dedicated to it. Regardless of the dissatisfaction with the way things are going, you manage to turn the page and continue reading.
3. Falling in love isn’t about chocolates, sweet poems, flowers, or holding hands. It’s not about long walks, romantic dinners, and sweet whispers in the ear. It’s about fighting, disagreeing, screaming at the top of your lungs, and still having the willingness to keep going on.
4. Sometimes the people we miss most are those that have been right by our sides all along. We’ve been too concerned with what we have been lacking rather than what we have been blessed with.
5. Forgiveness isn’t giving someone else another chance, its lowering one’s standards and settling for imperfection
6. The main component to love is money. Why else do you think women are more prone to fall in love?
7. Vain people are those who are too arrogant to admit that they are proud.
8. The chances that we are too afraid to take are disguised as dreams.
9. Love is life’s way of reminding us that no matter how hard we try, our efforts are unrecognized.
10. Trusting another is being weak enough to let someone enter our soul.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpts 15 and 16
“She is very clever, too clever for a woman. She lacks the indefinable charm of weakness” (185).
Lord Henry has been very degrading and inconsiderate thus far in the novel. Not once has he ever taken into consideration the feelings and emotions of others when speaking. Harry has continuously referred to women negatively: “no woman is a genius. Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind” (51). Depicting females in a negative manner leads us to wonder what in Harry’s previous years or childhood led him to have such a negative perception of the sex.
“Something has happened to you, Dorian. Tell me what it is. You are not yourself to-night” (186).
The change that has occurred within Dorian has been recognized by everyone. Basil was the first one to become aware of Dorian’s transformation. As the years went on everyone else caught on as well. Women who were once enchanted by Dorian’s presence tend to flee when Dorian walks into the room. The fact that Lord Henry is realizing a change in Dorian is quite dumbfounding. One would imagine that Lord Henry would not be surprised at all with the transformation of Dorian. Does this mean that Dorian will ultimately end up being worse of a human being than Lord Henry?
Audacious
–adjective
1. extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless
“Oh! She is audacious enough for anything, my dear” (182).
Incorrigible
–adjective
1. not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform
“Isn’t he incorrigible? Cried Dorian, leaning forward in his chair” (183).
Lord Henry has been very degrading and inconsiderate thus far in the novel. Not once has he ever taken into consideration the feelings and emotions of others when speaking. Harry has continuously referred to women negatively: “no woman is a genius. Women are a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind” (51). Depicting females in a negative manner leads us to wonder what in Harry’s previous years or childhood led him to have such a negative perception of the sex.
“Something has happened to you, Dorian. Tell me what it is. You are not yourself to-night” (186).
The change that has occurred within Dorian has been recognized by everyone. Basil was the first one to become aware of Dorian’s transformation. As the years went on everyone else caught on as well. Women who were once enchanted by Dorian’s presence tend to flee when Dorian walks into the room. The fact that Lord Henry is realizing a change in Dorian is quite dumbfounding. One would imagine that Lord Henry would not be surprised at all with the transformation of Dorian. Does this mean that Dorian will ultimately end up being worse of a human being than Lord Henry?
Audacious
–adjective
1. extremely bold or daring; recklessly brave; fearless
“Oh! She is audacious enough for anything, my dear” (182).
Incorrigible
–adjective
1. not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform
“Isn’t he incorrigible? Cried Dorian, leaning forward in his chair” (183).
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpt 14
“Whatever my life is, he had more to do with the making or the marring of it than poor Harry has had. He may not have intended it, the result was the same” (173).
Dorian Gray is constantly trying to defend Lord Henry. Everyone blames Harry for Dorian’s new attitude and Dorian decides to shift the blame on someone who seems to not have been an influence to Dorian. At the beginning of the novel, we see how Dorian subconsciously influences Basil, yet Basil did not have the same effect on Dorian. At this point in the novel, Dorian decides to say that Basil has had an influence on his life, simply because the portrait painted by Basil has taught Dorian more about moral decisions than life itself.
“I had intended never to enter your house again, Gray. But you said it was a matter of life and death” (171).
In this chapter, we have been introduced to a new character by the name of Alan Campbell. There’s not much that we know of him besides that music drew him and Dorian together, he is very passionate about science, and for some unknown reason Dorian and Alan’s friendship failed. Though Dorian was no longer friends with Alan, Dorian still decided to seek his help. Dorian slipped Alan a note. Saying what? We don’t know. I’m guessing that it has something to do with their previous friendship. Or it can also be Dorian threatening to frame Alan for the murder of Basil.
Contralto
–noun
1. the lowest female voice or voice part, intermediate between soprano and tenor.
2. the alto, or highest male voice or voice part.
“tell of that curious statue that Gautier compares to a contralto voice” (169).
Precipice
–noun
1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face.
2. a situation of great peril
“while he by monstrous winds was being swept toward the jagged edge of some black cleft or precipice” (171).
Dorian Gray is constantly trying to defend Lord Henry. Everyone blames Harry for Dorian’s new attitude and Dorian decides to shift the blame on someone who seems to not have been an influence to Dorian. At the beginning of the novel, we see how Dorian subconsciously influences Basil, yet Basil did not have the same effect on Dorian. At this point in the novel, Dorian decides to say that Basil has had an influence on his life, simply because the portrait painted by Basil has taught Dorian more about moral decisions than life itself.
“I had intended never to enter your house again, Gray. But you said it was a matter of life and death” (171).
In this chapter, we have been introduced to a new character by the name of Alan Campbell. There’s not much that we know of him besides that music drew him and Dorian together, he is very passionate about science, and for some unknown reason Dorian and Alan’s friendship failed. Though Dorian was no longer friends with Alan, Dorian still decided to seek his help. Dorian slipped Alan a note. Saying what? We don’t know. I’m guessing that it has something to do with their previous friendship. Or it can also be Dorian threatening to frame Alan for the murder of Basil.
Contralto
–noun
1. the lowest female voice or voice part, intermediate between soprano and tenor.
2. the alto, or highest male voice or voice part.
“tell of that curious statue that Gautier compares to a contralto voice” (169).
Precipice
–noun
1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face.
2. a situation of great peril
“while he by monstrous winds was being swept toward the jagged edge of some black cleft or precipice” (171).
Monday, February 9, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpts 12 and 13
“Dorian Gray glanced at the picture, and suddenly an uncontrollable felling of hatred for Basil Hallward came over him, as though it had been suggested to him by the image on the canvas, whispered into his ear by those grinning lips” (162).
Dorian Gray has killed Basil. I’m pretty sure that I speak for everyone when saying that this act is much unexpected. As for Dorian, this is one act that he does not regret. Dorian’s lack of remorse is shown when referring to Basil’s dead body as a “thing” (163), and also with how calmly he felt. After reading this section, the only thing I can think about is how the portrait will look now. We also see towards the end of the chapter that Dorian is trying to map out how everything will play out: “with his curious, reserved habits, it would be months before any suspicions would be aroused. Months! Everything could be destroyed long before then” (164). Dorian Gray sounds a lot like Bigger Thomas from the Native Son in the quote previously mentioned. “He was not concerned with whether these acts were right or wrong; they simply appealed to him as possible venues of escape” (Wright 115). Dorian Gray killed Basil so that he can escape from the human reminder of his sins.
“I worshiped you too much. I am punished for it. You worshiped yourself too much. We are both punished” (162).
For the first time, we see Basil regretting the admiration he once had for Dorian Gray. Finally Basil has recognized the emotional abuse that he received from Dorian. While reading this, I felt liberated for Basil. It seemed as if Basil was holding himself back because he was too concerned with Dorian.
When saying that Basil has been punished for worshipping Dorian, he is referring back to the main reason why he decided to paint Dorian in the first place. Dorian obtained a beautiful glow that made it impossible to fall in love with him. Basil painted a portrait of Dorian never knowing that this painting would turn out to be a horrendous portrayal of Dorian’s soul. Previously in the novel, it was said that, “art […] were meant to be a form of autobiography” (13). Dorian’s disintegrating portrait may have foreshadowed Basil’s tragic death.
Petulant
–adjective
moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance:
“cried Dorian, in his petulant way, flinging himself down on the sofa” (153).
Satyr
–noun
1. Classical Mythology. one of a class of woodland deities, attendant on Bacchus, represented as part human, part horse, and sometimes part goat and noted for riotousness and lasciviousness.
2. a lascivious man; lecher.
“This is the face of a satyr” (161).
Dorian Gray has killed Basil. I’m pretty sure that I speak for everyone when saying that this act is much unexpected. As for Dorian, this is one act that he does not regret. Dorian’s lack of remorse is shown when referring to Basil’s dead body as a “thing” (163), and also with how calmly he felt. After reading this section, the only thing I can think about is how the portrait will look now. We also see towards the end of the chapter that Dorian is trying to map out how everything will play out: “with his curious, reserved habits, it would be months before any suspicions would be aroused. Months! Everything could be destroyed long before then” (164). Dorian Gray sounds a lot like Bigger Thomas from the Native Son in the quote previously mentioned. “He was not concerned with whether these acts were right or wrong; they simply appealed to him as possible venues of escape” (Wright 115). Dorian Gray killed Basil so that he can escape from the human reminder of his sins.
“I worshiped you too much. I am punished for it. You worshiped yourself too much. We are both punished” (162).
For the first time, we see Basil regretting the admiration he once had for Dorian Gray. Finally Basil has recognized the emotional abuse that he received from Dorian. While reading this, I felt liberated for Basil. It seemed as if Basil was holding himself back because he was too concerned with Dorian.
When saying that Basil has been punished for worshipping Dorian, he is referring back to the main reason why he decided to paint Dorian in the first place. Dorian obtained a beautiful glow that made it impossible to fall in love with him. Basil painted a portrait of Dorian never knowing that this painting would turn out to be a horrendous portrayal of Dorian’s soul. Previously in the novel, it was said that, “art […] were meant to be a form of autobiography” (13). Dorian’s disintegrating portrait may have foreshadowed Basil’s tragic death.
Petulant
–adjective
moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance:
“cried Dorian, in his petulant way, flinging himself down on the sofa” (153).
Satyr
–noun
1. Classical Mythology. one of a class of woodland deities, attendant on Bacchus, represented as part human, part horse, and sometimes part goat and noted for riotousness and lasciviousness.
2. a lascivious man; lecher.
“This is the face of a satyr” (161).
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpt 11
“On his return he would sit in front of the picture, sometimes loathing it and himself, but filled, at other times, with that pride of individualism that is half the fascination of sin, and smiling, with secret pleasure, at the misshapen shadow that had to bear the burden that should have been his own” (144).
Dorian Gray is a very confused individual. He seems to be having many mixed emotions towards his portrait. Gray continues to flip flop on whether owning the portrait is a positive or negative thing for him. Gray also attempts to remain optimistic: “What was it to him how vile and full of shame it looked? Even if he told them, would they believe it?” (144). Gray is trying to look at the brighter side of the situation and is also using it as motivation for himself to never reveal his secret. If Gray believes that no one would believe him when revealing the truth, then all that does is just encourage him to continue hiding the truth.
“Is it insincerity such a terrible thing? I think not. It is merely a method by which we can multiply our personalities” (146).
It comes off as no surprise that Dorian would disagree with insincerity being such a terrible thing. Why? Because Dorian’s definition of what insincerity truly is perfectly describes what Dorian has become. Dorian’s change of character from the beginning of the novel is evident. As for multiple personalities, Dorian acts according to the people who surround him. For example, when Dorian is around Basil, Dorian is the teacher and Basil is the student. Dorian thinks himself wiser, better, and more intellectual. It is the other way around when Dorian is around Lord Henry, Harry is Mr. Miyagi and Dorian is Daniel. For Daniel, Mr. Miyagi’s guidance was beneficial to him. I doubt that Lord Henry would have the same type of positive influence on Daniel.
Bequeath
–verb (used with object)
1. to dispose of (personal property, esp. money) by last will: She bequeathed her half of the company to her niece.
2. to hand down; pass on.
“Had the lover of Giovanna of Naples bequeathed him some inheritance of sin and shame?” (147).
Sordid
–adjective
1. morally ignoble or base; vile: sordid methods.
2. meanly selfish, self-seeking, or mercenary.
3. dirty or filthy.
“in the sordid room of the little ill-famed tavern near the Docks” (131).
Dorian Gray is a very confused individual. He seems to be having many mixed emotions towards his portrait. Gray continues to flip flop on whether owning the portrait is a positive or negative thing for him. Gray also attempts to remain optimistic: “What was it to him how vile and full of shame it looked? Even if he told them, would they believe it?” (144). Gray is trying to look at the brighter side of the situation and is also using it as motivation for himself to never reveal his secret. If Gray believes that no one would believe him when revealing the truth, then all that does is just encourage him to continue hiding the truth.
“Is it insincerity such a terrible thing? I think not. It is merely a method by which we can multiply our personalities” (146).
It comes off as no surprise that Dorian would disagree with insincerity being such a terrible thing. Why? Because Dorian’s definition of what insincerity truly is perfectly describes what Dorian has become. Dorian’s change of character from the beginning of the novel is evident. As for multiple personalities, Dorian acts according to the people who surround him. For example, when Dorian is around Basil, Dorian is the teacher and Basil is the student. Dorian thinks himself wiser, better, and more intellectual. It is the other way around when Dorian is around Lord Henry, Harry is Mr. Miyagi and Dorian is Daniel. For Daniel, Mr. Miyagi’s guidance was beneficial to him. I doubt that Lord Henry would have the same type of positive influence on Daniel.
Bequeath
–verb (used with object)
1. to dispose of (personal property, esp. money) by last will: She bequeathed her half of the company to her niece.
2. to hand down; pass on.
“Had the lover of Giovanna of Naples bequeathed him some inheritance of sin and shame?” (147).
Sordid
–adjective
1. morally ignoble or base; vile: sordid methods.
2. meanly selfish, self-seeking, or mercenary.
3. dirty or filthy.
“in the sordid room of the little ill-famed tavern near the Docks” (131).
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpts 9 and 10
“It is only shallow people who require years to get rid of an emotion. A man who is master of himself can end a sorrow as easily as he can invent a pleasure” (112).
Through the quote above Harry’s influence on Dorian is made very clear and evident. Dorian’s tone while speaking has changed from the beginning of the novel. It seems as if Dorian’s intention while speaking is to sound as insightful and persuasive as Lord Henry. This is not working for Dorian, especially not with Basil: “you talk as if you had no heart, no pity in you. It is all Harry’s influence. I see that” (112). Also, personally, I believe that the point that Dorian is try to make is very idiotic and not fully thought through. For in my opinion, shallow people are the ones that fail to express emotion.
“Beneath its purple pall the face painted on the canvas could grow bestial, sodden, and unclean. What did it matter? No one could see it. He himself would not see it. Why should he watch the hideous corruption of his soul?” (125).
In the quote above, what I predicted would happen just occurred. My theory was that because the portrait would be bearing Dorian’s sins, it would encourage him to continue to do wrong since his sins are not publicly shown. This is rather disappointing to hear because of how genuine and sincere Basil is, and how Dorian is just taking advantage of his kindness. Dorian is abusing the picture that took a long time to create. My perspective on Dorian has changed completely from the beginning of the book. I used to admire Dorian’s ability to go against the cruel things Lord Henry would say and now Dorian has been manipulated into believing and reciting all of Lord Henry’s beliefs.
Garrulous
–adjective
1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters.
2. wordy or diffuse:
“She lingered for a few moments, and was garrulous over some detail of the household” (122).
Impecuniosity
–adjective
having little or no money; penniless; poor.
“whose admiration for art was considerably tempered by the inveterate impecuniosity of most of the artists who dwelt with him” (123).
Through the quote above Harry’s influence on Dorian is made very clear and evident. Dorian’s tone while speaking has changed from the beginning of the novel. It seems as if Dorian’s intention while speaking is to sound as insightful and persuasive as Lord Henry. This is not working for Dorian, especially not with Basil: “you talk as if you had no heart, no pity in you. It is all Harry’s influence. I see that” (112). Also, personally, I believe that the point that Dorian is try to make is very idiotic and not fully thought through. For in my opinion, shallow people are the ones that fail to express emotion.
“Beneath its purple pall the face painted on the canvas could grow bestial, sodden, and unclean. What did it matter? No one could see it. He himself would not see it. Why should he watch the hideous corruption of his soul?” (125).
In the quote above, what I predicted would happen just occurred. My theory was that because the portrait would be bearing Dorian’s sins, it would encourage him to continue to do wrong since his sins are not publicly shown. This is rather disappointing to hear because of how genuine and sincere Basil is, and how Dorian is just taking advantage of his kindness. Dorian is abusing the picture that took a long time to create. My perspective on Dorian has changed completely from the beginning of the book. I used to admire Dorian’s ability to go against the cruel things Lord Henry would say and now Dorian has been manipulated into believing and reciting all of Lord Henry’s beliefs.
Garrulous
–adjective
1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters.
2. wordy or diffuse:
“She lingered for a few moments, and was garrulous over some detail of the household” (122).
Impecuniosity
–adjective
having little or no money; penniless; poor.
“whose admiration for art was considerably tempered by the inveterate impecuniosity of most of the artists who dwelt with him” (123).
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpt 8
“the portrait that Basil Hallward had painted of him would be a guide to him through life” (99).
After the portrait of Dorian Gray was made, Dorian’s only wish was that, “the picture could change, and I could be always what I am now!” (29). After returning home from the play Romeo and Juliet, Dorian realized a change in the portrait of himself, it showed a cruelty around his lips. The cruelty around his lips appeared because of the cruel words he spoke to Sibyl, and shortly thereafter, Sibyl passed away. Dorian finds the fact that this portrait obtains the ability to read his soul as useful: “this portrait would be to him the most magical of mirrors […] it would reveal to him his own soul” (110). In reality, there would be no surprises and no excitement if everything were open for us to see. Sometimes the best thing in life is learning how to deal with stuff on your own.
“Someone has killed herself for love of you. I wish that I had ever had such an experience. It would have made me in love with love for the rest of my life” (105).
Lord Henry has a very different perspective on this situation than most. Most would refer to this situation as tragic, but Harry believes that if the woman he loved killed herself over him, he would be flattered. As seen throughout the novel thus far, Harry is not very fond of women in the romantic sense. Harry believes that women serve one purpose and one purpose only, sex. Harry even told us about how he left a girl because she was prepared to sacrifice the world for him. Apparently the world isn’t enough for Harry, all Harry wants is for a life to be sacrificed for him.
Opiate
–noun
1. a drug containing opium or its derivatives, used in medicine for inducing sleep and relieving pain.
2. any sedative, soporific, or narcotic.
3. anything that causes dullness or inaction or that soothes the feelings.
“There were opiates for remorse, drugs that could lull the moral sense to sleep” (100).
Labyrinth
–noun
1. an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach the exit.
2. a maze of paths bordered by high hedges, as in a park or garden, for the amusement of those who search for a way out.
3. a complicated or tortuous arrangement, as of streets or buildings.
“to find his way through the sanguine labyrinth of passion through which he was wandering” (100).
After the portrait of Dorian Gray was made, Dorian’s only wish was that, “the picture could change, and I could be always what I am now!” (29). After returning home from the play Romeo and Juliet, Dorian realized a change in the portrait of himself, it showed a cruelty around his lips. The cruelty around his lips appeared because of the cruel words he spoke to Sibyl, and shortly thereafter, Sibyl passed away. Dorian finds the fact that this portrait obtains the ability to read his soul as useful: “this portrait would be to him the most magical of mirrors […] it would reveal to him his own soul” (110). In reality, there would be no surprises and no excitement if everything were open for us to see. Sometimes the best thing in life is learning how to deal with stuff on your own.
“Someone has killed herself for love of you. I wish that I had ever had such an experience. It would have made me in love with love for the rest of my life” (105).
Lord Henry has a very different perspective on this situation than most. Most would refer to this situation as tragic, but Harry believes that if the woman he loved killed herself over him, he would be flattered. As seen throughout the novel thus far, Harry is not very fond of women in the romantic sense. Harry believes that women serve one purpose and one purpose only, sex. Harry even told us about how he left a girl because she was prepared to sacrifice the world for him. Apparently the world isn’t enough for Harry, all Harry wants is for a life to be sacrificed for him.
Opiate
–noun
1. a drug containing opium or its derivatives, used in medicine for inducing sleep and relieving pain.
2. any sedative, soporific, or narcotic.
3. anything that causes dullness or inaction or that soothes the feelings.
“There were opiates for remorse, drugs that could lull the moral sense to sleep” (100).
Labyrinth
–noun
1. an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach the exit.
2. a maze of paths bordered by high hedges, as in a park or garden, for the amusement of those who search for a way out.
3. a complicated or tortuous arrangement, as of streets or buildings.
“to find his way through the sanguine labyrinth of passion through which he was wandering” (100).
Monday, February 2, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpt 7
FIRST TIME TRYING THIS !
“You simply produce no effect. I loved you because you were marvelous, because you had genius and intellect, because you realized the dreams of great poets and gave shape and substance to the shadows of art” (91).
These words coming out of Dorian Gray’s mouth is very peculiar. All that the quote above is showing is how Dorian loved Sibyl for her talents, and not for who she was as a being. Dorian’s view of love differs from mine. My attraction towards others is not dependent on how well they do things, but on how caring they are towards my goals and me. Dorian is in love for all the wrong reasons with all the wrong expectations.
“if this girl can give a soul to those who have lived without one, if she can create the sense of beauty in people whose lives have been sordid and ugly, if she can strip them of their selfishness and lend them tears for sorrows that are not their own, she is worthy of all your adoration, worthy of the adoration of the world” (86).
When describing Sibyl to Basil and Harry, Dorian put Sibyl up on a pedestal. Dorian basically guaranteed that Sibyl will win over their hearts, and as seen in the rest of Chapter 7, Sibyl did not meet anyone’s expectations. Is this why Dorian is giving up on his love with Sibyl? Is it because he promised Basil and Harry to become infatuated with her presence alone? Maybe Dorian is giving up on Sibyl because after taunting his love and affection for Sibyl to Harry, she disappointed him, making Dorian going against all of Harry’s theories for no reason.
Discordant
–adjective
1. being at variance; disagreeing; incongruous: discordant opinions.
2. disagreeable to the ear; dissonant; harsh.
3. Geology. (of strata) structurally unconformable.
“Some women were laughing in the pit; their voices were horribly shrill and discordant” (85).
Disdain
–verb (used with object)
1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.
2. to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself: to disdain replying to an insult.
“Dorian Gray, with his beautiful eyes, looked down at her, and his chiseled lips curled in exquisite disdain” (92).
“You simply produce no effect. I loved you because you were marvelous, because you had genius and intellect, because you realized the dreams of great poets and gave shape and substance to the shadows of art” (91).
These words coming out of Dorian Gray’s mouth is very peculiar. All that the quote above is showing is how Dorian loved Sibyl for her talents, and not for who she was as a being. Dorian’s view of love differs from mine. My attraction towards others is not dependent on how well they do things, but on how caring they are towards my goals and me. Dorian is in love for all the wrong reasons with all the wrong expectations.
“if this girl can give a soul to those who have lived without one, if she can create the sense of beauty in people whose lives have been sordid and ugly, if she can strip them of their selfishness and lend them tears for sorrows that are not their own, she is worthy of all your adoration, worthy of the adoration of the world” (86).
When describing Sibyl to Basil and Harry, Dorian put Sibyl up on a pedestal. Dorian basically guaranteed that Sibyl will win over their hearts, and as seen in the rest of Chapter 7, Sibyl did not meet anyone’s expectations. Is this why Dorian is giving up on his love with Sibyl? Is it because he promised Basil and Harry to become infatuated with her presence alone? Maybe Dorian is giving up on Sibyl because after taunting his love and affection for Sibyl to Harry, she disappointed him, making Dorian going against all of Harry’s theories for no reason.
Discordant
–adjective
1. being at variance; disagreeing; incongruous: discordant opinions.
2. disagreeable to the ear; dissonant; harsh.
3. Geology. (of strata) structurally unconformable.
“Some women were laughing in the pit; their voices were horribly shrill and discordant” (85).
Disdain
–verb (used with object)
1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.
2. to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself: to disdain replying to an insult.
“Dorian Gray, with his beautiful eyes, looked down at her, and his chiseled lips curled in exquisite disdain” (92).
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Dorian Gray Chpts 5 and 6
“The terrible moment, the moment that night and day, for weeks and months, she had dreaded, had come at last, and yet she felt no terror” (75).
All throughout Chapter 5, James Vane has demonstrated his love, affection, and care for his sister, Sibyl Vane. He has especially shown an interest with Dorian Gray, and Gray’s interest with Sibyl. Although both James’ mother and sister reassure him that Gray is a gentleman, James decides to continue to have the “if he ever does you any wrong, I shall kill him” (73), mentality. This mentality of James’ may have developed from a question that lingered in his heart for years, whether his parents were married or not. Mrs. Vane defended James’ father as a “gentleman” (75), after James accused him of being a “scoundrel” (75). This may very well be the reason as to why James is so over protective.
“You must admit, Harry, that women give to men the very gold of their lives” (83).
Dorian Gray has found love, and this love is causing Dorian to realize that Lord Henry has been feeding him information that is not worth following: “When I am with her, I regret all that you have taught me. I become different from what you have known me to be […] makes me forget you and all your wrong, fascinating, poisonous, delightful theories” (82). This was not in accordance to Lord Henry’s plan of making Dorian Gray absolutely fascinated with him. In the quote above, it also shows how different Dorian and Harry are because Dorian previously described women as “a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind” (51).
Querulously
–adjective
1. full of complaints; complaining.
2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
“’I don’t know how we could manage without him,’ answered the elder woman, querulously” (64).
Espial
–noun
1. the act of spying.
2. the act of keeping watch; observation.
“Then Wisdom altered its method and spoke of espial and discovery” (65).
All throughout Chapter 5, James Vane has demonstrated his love, affection, and care for his sister, Sibyl Vane. He has especially shown an interest with Dorian Gray, and Gray’s interest with Sibyl. Although both James’ mother and sister reassure him that Gray is a gentleman, James decides to continue to have the “if he ever does you any wrong, I shall kill him” (73), mentality. This mentality of James’ may have developed from a question that lingered in his heart for years, whether his parents were married or not. Mrs. Vane defended James’ father as a “gentleman” (75), after James accused him of being a “scoundrel” (75). This may very well be the reason as to why James is so over protective.
“You must admit, Harry, that women give to men the very gold of their lives” (83).
Dorian Gray has found love, and this love is causing Dorian to realize that Lord Henry has been feeding him information that is not worth following: “When I am with her, I regret all that you have taught me. I become different from what you have known me to be […] makes me forget you and all your wrong, fascinating, poisonous, delightful theories” (82). This was not in accordance to Lord Henry’s plan of making Dorian Gray absolutely fascinated with him. In the quote above, it also shows how different Dorian and Harry are because Dorian previously described women as “a decorative sex. They never have anything to say, but they say it charmingly. Women represent the triumph of matter over mind” (51).
Querulously
–adjective
1. full of complaints; complaining.
2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
“’I don’t know how we could manage without him,’ answered the elder woman, querulously” (64).
Espial
–noun
1. the act of spying.
2. the act of keeping watch; observation.
“Then Wisdom altered its method and spoke of espial and discovery” (65).
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