The Picture of Dorian Gray ESL Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

Introduction

The Picture of Dorian Gray ESL Lesson Plan introduces students to the classic novel by Oscar Wilde, providing an opportunity to explore themes of morality, vanity, and the consequences of one’s actions. This lesson plan aims to engage students in discussions about the characters and their choices, while also improving their language skills through vocabulary building, reading comprehension, and critical thinking activities. By delving into this thought-provoking story, students can enhance their English language proficiency while gaining insights into timeless moral dilemmas.

Vocabulary Building

Vocab

Contextual Usage

1. The character’s vanity led to his downfall as he became obsessed with his appearance.
2. The novel explores the morality of Dorian’s choices and their impact on others.
3. Dorian faced severe consequences for his immoral actions.
4. He struggled with temptation, often giving in to his darker impulses.
5. The story depicts the decadence of high society and its corrupting influence on Dorian.

ESL Warm-up Activity

To set the tone for the lesson, start with a thought-provoking question related to the themes of vanity and morality in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” For example, ask students to discuss whether they believe people are influenced more by their inner morals or external pressures to conform to societal standards of beauty. This will encourage students to think critically and engage in a conversation that aligns with the central themes of the novel.

Main ESL Lesson Activities

Vocabulary Activity: Word Associations

Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a list of vocabulary words from the novel, such as “vanity,” “temptation,” and “decadence.” Instruct the students to brainstorm associations, synonyms, and antonyms for each word. Encourage them to discuss the relevance of these words in the context of the story. Afterward, facilitate a whole-class discussion to share their findings.

Reading and Writing: Character Analysis

Assign each student a character from the novel and ask them to write a journal entry from that character’s perspective, reflecting on their thoughts and motivations at key points in the story. After completing their entries, have students pair up to share and discuss their insights into the characters’ personalities and moral dilemmas.

Roleplay: Ethical Dilemmas

Present students with ethical scenarios inspired by the novel’s themes. For example, create a scenario where a character must choose between honesty and self-preservation. Divide the class into pairs or small groups, assigning each group a different scenario to role-play. Afterward, encourage students to reflect on their choices and discuss how they relate to the characters’ decisions in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”

Listening Comprehension: Audio Excerpts

Select compelling excerpts from “The Picture of Dorian Gray” audiobook or movie adaptation. Play these excerpts for the class and provide comprehension questions related to the content. Encourage students to discuss their interpretations in pairs or small groups before sharing their responses with the whole class.

ESL Homework Assignment

1. Write a reflective essay discussing the moral implications of one of the key decisions made by a character in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Support your analysis with evidence from the text.

2. Research and present a brief overview of the historical and social context in which Oscar Wilde wrote “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” Discuss how these factors may have influenced the themes and characters in the novel.

3. Create a modern-day adaptation of a scene from the novel, either as a short story, script, or visual representation. Consider how the themes of vanity and morality can be translated into contemporary settings.

4. Compile a list of vocabulary words encountered in the novel and write sentences that demonstrate their contextual usage. Be prepared to share and discuss your sentences in the next class.

Conclusion

Summary

Throughout this lesson, we explored the themes of vanity, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions as depicted in “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” We delved into vocabulary building, character analysis, ethical dilemmas, and listening comprehension activities to deepen our understanding of the novel and enhance our language skills.

Reflection

As you reflect on this lesson, consider how analyzing complex moral dilemmas in literature can expand your language proficiency. Think about how discussing these themes in English can help you express nuanced ideas and engage in meaningful conversations. Applying critical thinking to literary works not only enriches your language development but also broadens your perspective on ethical issues.

Why this topic is great for ESL learning

Engaging with Complex Themes

Studying “The Picture of Dorian Gray” provides ESL learners with the opportunity to engage with complex and thought-provoking themes, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. The novel’s exploration of morality, vanity, and societal influence offers a rich platform for language learners to delve into deep discussions while expanding their vocabulary and language proficiency.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Exploring this classic work by Oscar Wilde allows ESL students to gain insights into the cultural and historical context of the Victorian era. This exposure broadens their understanding of different time periods and societal norms, contributing to their overall cultural literacy and language development.

Language Enrichment through Literature

By analyzing the language used in “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” ESL learners can enhance their comprehension, writing, and speaking skills. The exposure to sophisticated vocabulary, descriptive prose, and nuanced dialogue provides an enriching linguistic experience that aids in language acquisition and fluency.