Hey there ESL teachers! Are you looking for an exciting and thought-provoking literary masterpiece to engage your students in the ESL classroom? Well, look no further because today we are diving into the captivating world of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde. This iconic novel has been capturing imaginations for over a century and it’s about time we explore its fascinating themes, unforgettable characters, and its relevance in today’s society. So fasten your seatbelts, grab a cup of tea, and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the pages of this literary classic!
ESL Speaking Questions About The Picture Of Dorian Gray
Beginner ESL Questions about The Picture of Dorian Gray
- 1. Have you heard of the book “The Picture of Dorian Gray” before?
- 2. What is the title of the book in your language?
- 3. Who is the author of the book?
- 4. Do you know any other books written by Oscar Wilde?
- 5. What is the main character’s name in the book?
- 6. Can you describe what Dorian Gray looks like?
- 7. Is Dorian Gray a young man or an old man in the story?
- 8. How does Dorian Gray’s portrait change in the book?
- 9. Why does Dorian Gray sell his soul?
- 10. What happens to Dorian Gray’s portrait when he commits evil acts?
- 11. Are you interested in reading this book?
- 12. What do you think the overall theme of the story might be?
- 13. Have you watched any movies or TV shows based on this book?
- 14. Can you name any characters from “The Picture of Dorian Gray”?
- 15. Why do you think the portrait plays such an important role in the story?
- 16. Would you like to visit the locations mentioned in the book?
- 17. How do you think the story might end?
- 18. What emotions do you think the book might evoke?
- 19. What do you think the consequences are for someone who never ages?
- 20. Do you think the story has any moral lessons? If so, what are they?
- What is the main theme of The Picture of Dorian Gray?
- Who is the author of The Picture of Dorian Gray?
- What is the setting of the story?
- Describe the main character, Dorian Gray.
- What is the significance of the portrait in the story?
- How does Dorian’s appearance change throughout the novel?
- How does Dorian’s personality change throughout the novel?
- What role does Lord Henry Wotton play in the story?
- What influence does Lord Henry have on Dorian?
- What role does Basil Hallward play in the story?
- How does Basil feel about Dorian at the beginning of the novel?
- What is the relationship between Dorian and Sibyl Vane?
- How does Dorian treat Sibyl Vane?
- What happens to Sibyl Vane in the story?
- How does Dorian’s guilt manifest itself in the novel?
- What is the effect of age on the portrait?
- What happens to the portrait at the end of the novel?
- What is the overall message or moral of the story?
- Do you think Dorian deserves the ending he gets? Why or why not?
- Would you recommend The Picture of Dorian Gray to others? Why?
- What moral dilemmas are presented in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
- How does Dorian Gray’s portrait reflect his true self?
- What are some themes explored in the novel?
- How does the painting change throughout the story?
- What role does Lord Henry Wotton play in the development of Dorian Gray?
- Discuss the concept of beauty and its influence on the characters.
- How does the society in the book respond to Dorian Gray’s behavior?
- What impact does art have on Dorian Gray’s life and psyche?
- How does the novel explore the idea of immortality?
- Discuss the relationship between Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward.
- How does Dorian Gray’s lifestyle affect his relationships with others?
- What role does guilt play in the novel?
- How does Dorian Gray’s portrait represent his conscience?
- Discuss the influence of hedonism in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
- What lessons can be learned from the novel?
- How is the concept of addiction portrayed in the story?
- What kind of impact does the supernatural element have in the novel?
- Discuss the notion of the double life in relation to Dorian Gray.
- How does Dorian Gray’s transformation affect his perception of reality?
- What are some similarities and differences between Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde, the author?
Intermediate ESL Questions about The Picture of Dorian Gray
Advanced ESL Questions about The Picture of Dorian Gray
ESL Reading Activities About The Picture Of Dorian Gray
Beginner ESL Activities About the Picture of Dorian Gray
Once upon a time, there was a man named Dorian Gray. He was a handsome young man, admired by many. One day, Dorian had his portrait painted by a talented artist. The artist captured Dorian’s beauty so well that he wished he could stay young and handsome forever.
Dorian’s wish came true in a strange way. As time went on, he realized that he didn’t age like other people. While his portrait captured his true self, he remained youthful and untouched by time. People around him noticed this and started to wonder how he stayed so young-looking.
However, there was a twist to this magical gift. The portrait aged instead of Dorian. Every bad deed and sin he committed would be reflected on the face of his portrait. Dorian’s true self, hidden from the world, was being displayed on the canvas.
Dorian became trapped by his own vanity and desire for everlasting youth. He started leading a wicked life, doing terrible things without any remorse. He believed that as long as his portrait aged, he could continue living a life of debauchery without facing any consequences.
But the weight of his sins became too heavy to bear. Dorian couldn’t stand the sight of his own portrait, which had now become distorted and ugly. In a fit of rage, he decided to destroy the painting, hoping to erase his sins and regain his lost innocence.
As soon as the painting was destroyed, Dorian collapsed on the floor, lifeless. The portrait, however, returned to its original state, showing a beautiful young man once again. It was as if Dorian had never existed, and his sins were now confined to the ruined canvas.
This story teaches us about the dangers of vanity and the consequences of leading a wicked life. It also reminds us that our actions have consequences, even if they are hidden from the world. Dorian paid a heavy price for his desire for eternal youth and his refusal to face the truth of his own actions.
Vocabulary Words:
Vocabulary Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
admired |
to regard with esteem or respect |
portrait |
a painting, drawing, or photograph of a person, usually showing only the face |
youthful |
having the qualities, appearance, or vigor of youth; young-looking |
twist |
an unexpected development or turn of events |
vanity |
excessive pride in one’s appearance, qualities, or achievements |
deed |
an action that is performed intentionally or consciously |
remorse |
deep regret or guilt for a past wrongdoing |
distorted |
twisted or deformed out of the natural or normal shape |
innocence |
the state of being free from guilt or wrongdoing |
consequences |
the result or outcome of an action or event |
Intermediate ESL Activities About the Picture of Dorian Gray
Today, we are going to explore the fascinating world of literature with a focus on the classic novel called The Picture of Dorian Gray. Written by Oscar Wilde, this gripping story takes us on a journey into the dark side of human nature, where beauty, morality, and consequence collide.
The novel revolves around the life of Dorian Gray, a handsome and charming young man living in 19th century London. Dorian’s remarkable beauty caught the attention of the talented artist, Basil Hallward, who became obsessed with capturing Dorian’s essence on canvas. It is this portrait, hidden away from the world, that holds a terrible secret.
As the story unfolds, Dorian becomes increasingly obsessed with his own appearance and indulges in a life of hedonism and pleasure, driven by the belief that his eternal youth and beauty are preserved within the portrait. The more corrupt and immoral Dorian becomes, the more the portrait ages and reflects his inner decay.
Wilde skillfully explores themes of vanity, morality, and the pursuit of pleasure throughout the novel. He challenges the reader to contemplate the consequences of unchecked desires and the power of art to reveal the true nature of a person. Consequence, essence, hedonism, morality, obsessed, pursuit, reflects, reveal, terrible, and unfolds are some key vocabulary words to help us understand and discuss this captivating tale.
Vocabulary Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
Consequence |
The result or outcome of an action or event. |
Essence |
The fundamental nature or quality of something. |
Hedonism |
The pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence. |
Morality |
Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. |
Obsessed |
Having an excessive or unhealthy preoccupation with someone or something. |
Pursuit |
The act of following or chasing after something or someone. |
Reflects |
To mirror or show the image of something. |
Reveal |
To make something known or visible. |
Terrible |
Extremely bad or distressing. |
Unfolds |
To gradually reveal or develop. |
Now that we have a basic understanding of some important vocabulary related to The Picture of Dorian Gray, let’s delve deeper into the story and explore the thought-provoking themes that Wilde presents. By engaging with the novel and discussing these key concepts, we can enhance our language skills while gaining valuable insights into human nature and the consequences of our actions.
Advanced ESL Activities About the Picture of Dorian Gray
Picture of Dorian Gray is a remarkable novel written by Oscar Wilde. It tells the story of a young man named Dorian Gray who is charming and handsome. The novel explores themes of beauty, youth, and the corruption of the soul. Dorian Gray has a portrait painted by his friend Basil Hallward, capturing his extraordinary beauty. Enchanted by his own image, Dorian Gray makes a wish that he could remain young and handsome forever, while the portrait ages and bears the burden of his sins. Over time, Dorian dives into a life of debauchery and vice, his portrait reflecting the true extent of his moral decay.
One of the remarkable aspects of the novel is its vivid descriptions and the use of powerful language. Wilde’s prose is rich and evocative, drawing readers into Dorian Gray’s world. Here are 10 vocabulary words from the novel that will enhance your understanding of the story:
Vocabulary Word |
Definition |
|---|---|
Remarkable |
Extraordinary; worthy of attention |
Charming |
Delightful; attractive |
Handsome |
Physically attractive |
Corruption |
The act of becoming morally degraded |
Enchanted |
Fascinated; under a spell |
Extraordinary |
Unusually remarkable |
Debauchery |
Excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures |
Vice |
Moral wickedness |
Prose |
Written or spoken language in its ordinary form |
Evoke |
To bring forth or elicit a response or feeling |
Now that you have familiarized yourself with these vocabulary words, dive into the Picture of Dorian Gray and experience the captivating tale of beauty, youth, and the consequences of indulgence.
ESL Writing Activities About The Picture Of Dorian Gray
Beginner ESL Writing Questions about The Picture of Dorian Gray
1. What is the title of the book we are discussing?
2. Who is the main character in The Picture of Dorian Gray?
3. Describe the appearance of Dorian Gray at the beginning of the story.
4. What did Dorian Gray wish for after seeing his portrait for the first time?
5. How does Dorian Gray’s portrait change throughout the story?
Intermediate ESL Writing Questions about The Picture of Dorian Gray
1. Discuss the theme of the double life in The Picture of Dorian Gray. How does Dorian Gray live a double life?
2. Why does Lord Henry influence Dorian Gray so much? Explain with examples from the story.
3. How does Dorian Gray’s obsession with his own beauty lead to his downfall? Give specific events from the story.
4. In what ways does Dorian Gray show a lack of morality? Provide examples.
5. How does art play a significant role in The Picture of Dorian Gray? Discuss the symbolism and its effects on characters.
Advanced ESL Writing Questions about The Picture of Dorian Gray
1. Analyze the character of Lord Henry Wotton. What is his role in the story, and how does he influence Dorian Gray’s actions and thoughts?
2. Discuss the concept of “youth” in The Picture of Dorian Gray. How is youth portrayed, and what does it signify in the novel?
3. Evaluate the impact of society on Dorian Gray’s life. How does society’s expectations and judgments affect his choices and decisions?
4. Explore the motif of corruption in The Picture of Dorian Gray. How does Dorian Gray’s corrupted soul reflect the society he lives in?
5. Examine the ending of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Is there redemption or a moral lesson to be learned? Share your interpretation and support it with evidence from the text.
ESL Roleplay Activities about The Picture of Dorian Gray
1. The Art Critic
In this roleplay activity, students will pretend to be art critics discussing various portraits similar to the portrait of Dorian Gray. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different portrait to analyze and critique. Encourage students to describe the physical appearance, emotions, and personality traits depicted in the portrait. This activity will help students practice descriptive language and develop their vocabulary.
2. The Interviewer and the Celebrity
In this activity, students will take on the roles of interviewers and celebrities based on the characters in The Picture of Dorian Gray. Each student will research and prepare questions about their assigned character’s background, ideals, and experiences. They will then pair up and engage in a simulated interview, taking turns playing the interviewer and the celebrity. This activity will enhance students’ speaking and listening skills while also encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
3. The Courtroom Drama
Simulate a courtroom scenario based on The Picture of Dorian Gray. Assign students different roles such as the judge, defense attorney, prosecution attorney, witnesses, and jurors. Students can reenact the trial of Dorian Gray, engaging in debates, presenting evidence, and delivering opening and closing statements. This activity will provide students with an opportunity to improve their public speaking skills and logical reasoning while practicing English vocabulary related to the legal system.
4. The Book Club Discussion
Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a chapter or section from The Picture of Dorian Gray to read and discuss. Students can take turns summarizing their assigned portion, sharing their impressions, and analyzing the themes and symbolism present in the text. Encourage active participation and provide guiding questions to facilitate a meaningful and engaging discussion. This activity will help develop students’ reading comprehension, critical thinking, and communication skills.
5. The Modern Retelling
Challenge students to create a modern-day adaptation or alternate ending of The Picture of Dorian Gray through a roleplay activity. Divide the class into groups and have each group reimagine the story in a contemporary setting. Each student should contribute to the plot development, character changes, and dialogue in the retelling. Afterward, students can perform their adaptations in front of the class, showcasing their creativity and English language skills.
These ESL roleplay activities based on The Picture of Dorian Gray will provide an engaging and interactive learning experience for students while enhancing their English language skills in various areas, such as speaking, listening, reading, and critical thinking.
