86 words to know before reading The Picture of Dorian Gray

1. An introduction to a book or speech.
2. A preliminary statement or explanation.

Preface The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim.

1. To hide or keep something secret.
2. To prevent something from being seen or known.

Preface The artist is the creator of beautiful things. To reveal art and conceal the artist is art’s aim. The critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material

1. A written account of a person's life, written by that person themselves.
2. A self-narrated story of one's own experiences and personal history.

of beautiful things. The highest as the lowest form of criticism is a mode of autobiography. Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a

1. Prepared and used for growing crops or plants.
2. Refined or educated in manners, tastes, or intellect.

charming. This is a fault. Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope. They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only beauty. There is

1. An artistic and intellectual movement emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism (late 18th–mid 19th century).
2. A focus on idealized love or sentimental themes.

is the rage of Caliban seeing his own face in a glass. The nineteenth century dislike of romanticism is the rage of Caliban not seeing his own face in a glass. The moral life of man forms part of

1. Relating to or characterized by an abnormal interest in disturbing or unpleasant subjects, especially death or disease.
2. In medicine, relating to disease or its symptoms.

with that. It is too ugly, too horrible, too distressing. There is something terribly morbid in the modern sympathy with pain. One should sympathize with the colour, the beauty, the joy of

1. Serious and immediate danger.
2. Exposure to risk of harm or loss.

type. All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art

1. A person who watches an event, show, or game without participating.
2. An observer of a situation without direct involvement.

There was neither real sorrow in it nor real joy. There was simply the passion of the spectator, with perhaps a flicker of triumph in his eyes. He had taken the flower out of his coat, and was

1. A fragrant herb used in cooking, especially in Mediterranean dishes.
2. A royal or princely title in certain European countries.

beauty, and in front of it, some little distance away, was sitting the artist himself, Basil Hallward, whose sudden disappearance some years ago caused, at the time, such public excitement

1. To display or show something publicly.
2. An object or collection of items on display.

in the loveliness and subtleties of certain colours. That is all.” “Then why won’t you exhibit his portrait?” asked Lord Henry. “Because, without intending it, I have put into it some

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

and laughed. “Yes, I knew you would; but it is quite true, all the same.” “Too much of yourself in it! Upon my word, Basil, I didn’t know you were so vain; and I really can’t see any

1. Having an excessively high opinion of one's appearance or abilities (conceited).
2. Producing no result; useless (futile).

power, and consequently they all appreciate me. Is that very vain of me? I think it is rather vain.” “I should think it was, Harry. But according to your category I must be merely an

1. Highly pleasing or enjoyable.
2. Charming or attractive in a cheerful way.

when he was a boy of eighteen, and as a natural consequence he always looks absolutely delightful. Your mysterious young friend, whose name you have never told me, but whose picture really

1. Spoke softly or indistinctly in a low voice.
2. Made a low, continuous sound, like a stream or wind.

daisy. Hallward shook his head. “You don’t understand what friendship is, Harry,” he murmured—“or what enmity is, for that matter. You like everyone; that is to say, you are indifferent to

1. A boy or young man (informal).
2. A lively or mischievous young man.

“Oh, I am tired of sitting, and I don’t want a life-sized portrait of myself,” answered the lad, swinging round on the music-stool in a wilful, petulant manner. When he caught sight of Lord

1. Past tense of "fling" – threw or tossed something forcefully.
2. Moved or pushed suddenly and violently.

Basil. It has been a most interesting afternoon.” As the door closed behind them, the painter flung himself down on a sofa, and a look of pain came into his face.

1. A strong, coarse cloth used for making sails, tents, or paintings.
2. A piece of fabric stretched over a frame for painting.

It is not he who is revealed by the painter; it is rather the painter who, on the coloured canvas, reveals himself. The reason I will not exhibit this picture is that I am afraid that I have

1. At the present time; in these modern times.
2. Currently; in contrast to the past.

“Poets are not so scrupulous as you are. They know how useful passion is for publication. Nowadays a broken heart will run to many editions.” “I hate them for it,” cried Hallward. “An artist

1. A person who is cruel, violent, or insensitive.
2. An animal lacking intelligence or reasoning.

There was an ugly story about it. They said Kelso got some rascally adventurer, some Belgian brute, to insult his son-in-law in public—paid him, sir, to do it, paid him—and that the fellow

1. An exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or dismay.
2. Example: "Egad! I can't believe it!"

hated Kelso, thought him a mean dog. He was, too. Came to Madrid once when I was there. Egad, I was ashamed of him. The Queen used to ask me about the English noble who was always

1. A prophetess or female oracle in ancient times.
2. A woman believed to have powers of prophecy or divination.

the wild passion of violins. You know how a voice can stir one. Your voice and the voice of Sibyl Vane are two things that I shall never forget. When I close my eyes, I hear them, and each of

1. A flat or curved surface that rotates to show wind direction (weather vane).
2. A blade or fin used to guide motion, as in a turbine or propeller.

charm in them, sometimes,” said Lord Henry. “I wish now I had not told you about Sibyl Vane.” “You could not have helped telling me, Dorian. All through your life you will tell me

1. The male protagonist in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet."
2. A term used to describe a passionate, romantic lover.

who know all the secrets of life, tell me how to charm Sibyl Vane to love me! I want to make Romeo jealous. I want the dead lovers of the world to hear our laughter and grow sad. I want a breath

1. The female protagonist in Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet."
2. A given name of French origin, meaning "youthful" or "Jove's child."

He shook his head. “Tonight she is Imogen,” he answered, “and tomorrow night she will be Juliet.” “When is she Sibyl Vane?” “Never.” “I congratulate you.” “How horrid you are! She is all the

1. Spoken very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. Communicated in a quiet, secretive, or confidential manner.

V “Mother, Mother, I am so happy!” whispered the girl, burying her face in the lap of the faded, tired-looking woman who, with back turned to

1. Rough or harsh in texture.
2. Lacking refinement or delicacy.

did you love my father as I love Prince Charming?” The elder woman grew pale beneath the coarse powder that daubed her cheeks, and her dry lips twitched with a spasm of pain. Sibyl rushed to

1. The colorful, often fragrant parts of a flower that attract pollinators.
2. Modified leaves surrounding the reproductive organs of a flower.

hall of entrance, lights were still burning from three flickering jets: thin blue petals of flame they seemed, rimmed with white fire. He turned them out and, having thrown his hat and

1. A piece of fabric hung to cover a window or divide a room.
2. A barrier or screen used in theaters to conceal the stage.

two young men passed out together. A few moments afterwards the footlights flared up and the curtain rose on the third act. Dorian Gray went back to his seat. He looked pale, and proud, and

1. Extremely beautiful and delicate.
2. Intensely felt or experienced.

in my life. I had a strange feeling that fate had in store for me exquisite joys and exquisite sorrows. I grew afraid and turned to quit the room. It was not conscience that made me do so: it

1. A person employed to park cars, typically at a hotel or restaurant.
2. A manservant who takes care of personal needs, like clothing or luggage.

on ourselves. While Lord Henry sat dreaming on these things, a knock came to the door, and his valet entered and reminded him it was time to dress for dinner. He got up and looked out into the

1. A public display of art, artifacts, or other items of interest.
2. A demonstration of skills or abilities, often in a competitive setting.

will object to that. Georges Petit is going to collect all my best pictures for a special exhibition in the Rue de Seze, which will open the first week in October. The portrait will only be away a

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

me, Harry,” answered the artist. “Of course I am not like him. I know that perfectly well. Indeed, I should be sorry to look like him. You shrug your shoulders? I am telling you the truth. There

1. A heavy cloth draped over a coffin (noun).
2. A dark cloud or covering of smoke, dust, etc. (noun).

Bologna. Yes, that would serve to wrap the dreadful thing in. It had perhaps served often as a pall for the dead. Now it was to hide something that had a corruption of its own, worse than the

1. Decorated with needlework using thread or yarn.
2. Adorned with intricate patterns or designs stitched onto fabric.

After about ten minutes he got up, and throwing on an elaborate dressing-gown of silk-embroidered cashmere wool, passed into the onyx-paved bathroom. The cool water refreshed him after his long

1. A bright red color with a slightly orange tinge.
2. A type of high-quality woolen cloth, often dyed red.

suddenly awakened. His finely chiselled nostrils quivered, and some hidden nerve shook the scarlet of his lips and left them trembling. “Yes,” continued Lord Henry, “that is one of the great

1. Covered thinly with gold leaf or gold paint.
2. A young female pig.

of smoke was rising. It curled, a violet riband, through the nacre-coloured air. In the huge gilt Venetian lantern, spoil of some Doge’s barge, that hung from the ceiling of the great,

1. Shaped or crafted with skill, especially by hammering or beating (as in metal).
2. Deeply stirred or agitated (emotionally).

stand that had always looked to him like the work of some strange Egyptian bees that wrought in silver, and taking up the volume, flung himself into an armchair and began to turn over the

1. A rich, patterned fabric, typically made of silk, linen, or cotton.
2. A deep pink or red color, like the damask rose.

made for her of black velvet powdered with crescents and suns. Its curtains were of damask, with leafy wreaths and garlands, figured upon a gold and silver ground, and fringed along the

1. The number following ten (11).
2. A sports team with eleven players (e.g., soccer).

“All right, sir.” “Did anyone call this evening?” “Mr. Hallward, sir. He stayed here till eleven, and then he went away to catch his train.” “Oh! I am sorry I didn’t see him. Did he leave any

1. A long, loose overcoat made of heavy fabric, often with a belt.
2. A historical region in northern Ireland, now part of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Street, a man passed him in the mist, walking very fast and with the collar of his grey ulster turned up. He had a bag in his hand. Dorian recognized him. It was Basil Hallward. A strange

1. The joint in the hind leg of a four-legged animal, like a horse or dog.
2. A type of German white wine, often sweet.

he went away. Have another brandy-and-soda? Or would you like hock-and-seltzer? I always take hock-and-seltzer myself. There is sure to be some in the next room.” “Thanks, I won’t have anything

1. Carbonated water, often flavored and used as a drink or mixer.
2. A brand name for a type of sparkling mineral water.

quite sorry when he went away. Have another brandy-and-soda? Or would you like hock-and-seltzer? I always take hock-and-seltzer myself. There is sure to be some in the next room.” “Thanks, I

1. A long upholstered seat with a back and arms, for two or more people.
2. A piece of furniture designed for comfort and relaxation in living spaces.

interesting afternoon.” As the door closed behind them, the painter flung himself down on a sofa, and a look of pain came into his face.

1. Extremely unhappy or unfortunate.
2. Of poor quality; very bad.

I must admit that I was rather annoyed at the idea of seeing Shakespeare done in such a wretched hole of a place. Still, I felt interested, in a sort of way. At any rate, I determined to wait

1. Extremely ugly or unpleasant to look at.
2. Morally offensive or shocking.

horrid. Look at the successful men in any of the learned professions. How perfectly hideous they are! Except, of course, in the Church. But then in the Church they don’t think. A bishop

1. A county in southeastern England.
2. A surname of English origin.

1. A feeling of deep distress caused by loss or disappointment.
2. An event or circumstance that causes sadness or grief.

him for a moment, if he had wounded her for an age. Besides, women were better suited to bear sorrow than men. They lived on their emotions. They only thought of their emotions. When they took

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

away. The rotting of a corpse in a watery grave was not so fearful. His hand shook, and the candle fell from its socket on the floor and lay there sputtering. He placed his foot on it and put it

1. A shelf above a fireplace, often used for display or decoration.
2. The decorative framework around a fireplace, including the shelf.

his forehead. It was dank with clammy sweat. The young man was leaning against the mantelshelf, watching him with that strange expression that one sees on the faces of those who are absorbed

1. Wooden paneling on the lower part of interior walls.
2. Decorative or protective wall covering, often made of wood or tile.

house in Mayfair. It was, in its way, a very charming room, with its high panelled wainscoting of olive-stained oak, its cream-coloured frieze and ceiling of raised plasterwork, and its

1. Slightly wet or moist.
2. To reduce the intensity or enthusiasm of something.

“I remember it! Oh, how well I remember it! No! the thing is impossible. The room is damp. Mildew has got into the canvas. The paints I used had some wretched mineral poison in them. I

1. A type of fungus that grows in damp conditions, appearing as a powdery or downy coating on surfaces.
2. A plant disease caused by such fungi, often affecting leaves and stems.

“I remember it! Oh, how well I remember it! No! the thing is impossible. The room is damp. Mildew has got into the canvas. The paints I used had some wretched mineral poison in them. I tell you

1. (n.) A strong, continuous current or flow, especially in water or air.
2. (v.) To move in or as if in a surging motion.

d’amour. L’esquif aborde et me dépose, Jetant son amarre au pilier, Devant une façade rose, Sur le marbre d’un escalier. How exquisite they were! As one read them, one seemed to be floating

1. On or to a higher floor of a building.
2. The upper floor(s) of a building.

be too long dressing.” She danced out of the door. One could hear her singing as she ran upstairs. Her little feet pattered overhead. He walked up and down the room two or three times. Then he

1. The part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline.
2. The front or forward part of something.

the harmony of any face. The moment one sits down to think, one becomes all nose, or all forehead, or something horrid. Look at the successful men in any of the learned professions. How perfectly

1. Elegantly beautiful or refined in movement, form, or manner.
2. Characterized by kindness, courtesy, or charm.

to know.” Dorian Gray frowned and turned his head away. He could not help liking the tall, graceful young man who was standing by him. His romantic, olive-coloured face and worn expression

1. A merchant or trader, especially one who travels to sell goods.
2. A surname of English origin.

from the door. “If you do, we are sure to squabble upstairs.” The men laughed, and Mr. Chapman got up solemnly from the foot of the table and came up to the top. Dorian Gray changed his seat

1. A title of respect for a woman, equivalent to "Mrs." or "Madam."
2. Used to address or refer to a woman in a formal or polite manner.

in his chair. “I hope so,” said his hostess, laughing. “But really, if you all worship Madame de Ferrol in this ridiculous way, I shall have to marry again so as to be in the fashion.” “You

1. A dress or gown, typically worn by women or girls.
2. A loose outer garment, especially one worn by monks or clergy.

girl, Lady Narborough,” said Lord Henry. “She is the one link between us and your short frocks.” “She does not remember my short frocks at all, Lord Henry. But I remember her very well at

1. A figure of speech using exaggeration or metaphor.
2. A recurring theme or motif in literature or art.

none of them had had any hearts at all.” “Four husbands! Upon my word that is trop de zele.” “Trop d’audace, I tell her,” said Dorian. “Oh! she is audacious enough for anything, my dear. And what

1. A thin projection on a fish used for swimming and balance.
2. A vertical stabilizer on an aircraft or submarine.

Nowadays all the married men live like bachelors, and all the bachelors like married men.” “Fin de siècle,” murmured Lord Henry. “Fin du globe,” answered his hostess. “I wish it were fin du

1. A fine spray or light fog in the air.
2. A thin layer of liquid on a surface.

could fill your eyes with tears. I tell you, Harry, I could hardly see this girl for the mist of tears that came across me. And her voice—I never heard such a voice. It was very low at

1. Not bright or clear; lacking light.
2. Having faint or indistinct vision.

across him. Yes, there would be a day when his face would be wrinkled and wizen, his eyes dim and colourless, the grace of his figure broken and deformed. The scarlet would pass away from his

1. A type of horse-drawn carriage with two wheels and a covered passenger compartment.
2. Named after its designer, Joseph Hansom.

and pink-footed, the pigeons ran about picking up seeds. After a little while, he hailed a hansom and drove home. For a few moments he loitered upon the doorstep, looking round at the silent

1. The number following seventeen and preceding nineteen (18).
2. The age at which one legally becomes an adult in many countries.

I think my husband has got seventeen of them.” “Not seventeen, Lady Henry?” “Well, eighteen, then. And I saw you with him the other night at the opera.” She laughed nervously as she spoke,

1. Worn out or exhausted from overuse or overwork.
2. Dulled or lacking enthusiasm due to excessive indulgence.

at Selby Royal, talking to the pretty Duchess of Monmouth, who with her husband, a jaded-looking man of sixty, was amongst his guests. It was teatime, and the mellow light of the huge,

1. Soft, smooth, or gentle in flavor, sound, or color.
2. Relaxed and unhurried in mood or temperament.

her husband, a jaded-looking man of sixty, was amongst his guests. It was teatime, and the mellow light of the huge, lace-covered lamp that stood on the table lit up the delicate china and

1. A delicate fabric made of yarn or thread in an open weblike pattern.
2. A cord or string used to fasten shoes or clothing.

up a card with an address, or found beneath a pillow a withered flower or a shred of crumpled lace. He sighed, and having poured himself out some tea, opened Lord Henry’s note. It was simply to

1. A flowering plant with complex, often colorful blooms.
2. A light purple color resembling orchid flowers.

of the seven deadly sins, then?” cried the duchess. “What becomes of your simile about the orchid?” “Ugliness is one of the seven deadly virtues, Gladys. You, as a good Tory, must not underrate

1. A sample or individual used as an example in study or testing.
2. A typical or representative example of something.

moment I asked one of the gardeners what it was called. He told me it was a fine specimen of Robinsoniana, or something dreadful of that kind. It is a sad truth, but we have lost the

1. An angry argument or disagreement.
2. A short, heavy arrow used with a crossbow.

to quarrel with you. I have seen him, and oh! to see him is perfect happiness. We won’t quarrel. I know you would never harm anyone I love, would you?” “Not as long as you love him, I suppose,”

1. A tool with a sharp-edged metal blade used for digging or cutting earth.
2. A playing card in the suit of spades, marked with a black symbol resembling a pointed leaf.

That is the reason I hate vulgar realism in literature. The man who could call a spade a spade should be compelled to use one. It is the only thing he is fit for.” “Then what should we call

1. Sought knowledge or details.
2. Made a formal request or investigation.

of Humour’s cast-off clothes. “Really! And where do bad Americans go to when they die?” inquired the duchess. “They go to America,” murmured Lord Henry. Sir Thomas frowned. “I am afraid that

1. Followers or advocates of Romanticism, a cultural movement emphasizing emotion and individualism in the 18th–19th centuries.
2. Artists, writers, or musicians inspired by Romantic ideals.

him.” “You fill me with apprehension. The appeal to antiquity is fatal to us who are romanticists.” “Romanticists! You have all the methods of science.” “Men have educated us.” “But not explained

1. A dress, typically worn by women or girls.
2. A loose outer garment, such as a monk's habit.

us go and help him. I have not yet told him the colour of my frock.” “Ah! you must suit your frock to his flowers, Gladys.” “That would be a premature surrender.” “Romantic art begins with its

1. A person who works on a ship or boat.
2. Someone skilled in navigating or operating vessels.

life he was to save from the wicked, red-shirted bushrangers. For he was not to remain a sailor, or a supercargo, or whatever he was going to be. Oh, no! A sailor’s existence was dreadful.

1. Used as a reflexive pronoun to refer to a group previously mentioned.
2. Used for emphasis to refer to a group previously mentioned.

sparrows in the green lacquer leaves of the ivy, and the blue cloud-shadows chased themselves across the grass like swallows. How pleasant it was in the garden! And how delightful other

1. A fast-running, long-eared mammal resembling a large rabbit.
2. (Informal) To move swiftly.

of them, with black-tipped ears erect and long hinder limbs throwing it forward, started a hare. It bolted for a thicket of alders. Sir Geoffrey put his gun to his shoulder, but there was

1. A sign or event believed to predict future good or bad luck.
2. A prophetic or warning indication of something to come.

without speaking. Then Dorian looked at Lord Henry and said, with a heavy sigh, “It is a bad omen, Harry, a very bad omen.” “What is?” asked Lord Henry. “Oh! this accident, I suppose. My dear

1. Behavior or language that is crude, offensive, or lacking refinement.
2. The quality of being indecent or morally coarse.

their absurd want of meaning, their entire lack of style. They affect us just as vulgarity affects us. They give us an impression of sheer brute force, and we revolt against that.

1. A Polish composer and pianist of the Romantic era.
2. A type of light, fast-moving dance in triple time.

and knew absolutely nothing. How lovely that thing you are playing is! I wonder, did Chopin write it at Majorca, with the sea weeping round the villa and the salt spray dashing against the

1. A fine, soft fiber produced by silkworms, used to make fabric.
2. Fabric or thread made from this fiber.

frieze and ceiling of raised plasterwork, and its brickdust felt carpet strewn with silk, long-fringed Persian rugs. On a tiny satinwood table stood a statuette by Clodion, and beside it

1. A mark or discoloration left on a surface.
2. A dye or chemical used to color materials.

that have filled you with terror, daydreams and sleeping dreams whose mere memory might stain your cheek with shame—” “Stop!” faltered Dorian Gray, “stop! you bewilder me. I don’t know what

1. Causing intense dislike or disgust.
2. Extremely unpleasant or offensive.

canvas, and was about to rush forward, when he drew back with a shudder. What was that loathsome red dew that gleamed, wet and glistening, on one of the hands, as though the canvas had sweated

1. Excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements.
2. The quality of being worthless or futile.

who treats it as if it were a flower to put in his coat, a bit of decoration to charm his vanity, an ornament for a summer’s day.” “Days in summer, Basil, are apt to linger,” murmured Lord

1. Having small lines or folds in the surface, often due to age or pressure.
2. (Of fabric or skin) Not smooth; creased or crumpled.

of the description flashed across him. Yes, there would be a day when his face would be wrinkled and wizen, his eyes dim and colourless, the grace of his figure broken and deformed. The scarlet