The picture of Dorian Gray Multimedia Seminar

The picture of Dorian Gray Multimedia Seminar

Introduction

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Topic Sentence: Another example of an aspect of Dorian's character that gives him a tragic flaw is selfishness.

Evidence: "She must have suffered more than he had. Poor child! He had been selfish and cruel to her" (Wilde, chapter 7 page 21)

Explanation: Sibyl embarrasses herself in front of Dorian and his friends. This looks bad on him so he chooses to break off their engagement.

Concluding Statement: Dorian deciding to break off his engagement with Sibyl in order to protect his ego emphasizes his failure to accept criticism and judgement.

Lead: the tragic flaw is often a character trait leading to the downfall of a tragic hero.

Thesis: Dorian Gray is an example of someone with a tragic flaw.

3 supporting points: Dorian is selfish and corrupt, resulting in his own self destruction.

Topic Sentence: One of the many personality traits that Dorian Gray possesses that give him a tragic flaw is his corruption and cruelty.

Evidence: "He stabbed him twice more, but the man did not move" (Wilde, chapter 13 page 8)

Explanation: in this quote we are looking at the part of the story where Dorian has killed Basil. Dorian is frustrated with Basil's reaction after hes shown him his soul that is reflected in his portrait.

Concluding Statement: Therefore, Dorian's error in judgement of Basil's reaction to the portrait led him to commit a violent, corrupt murder.

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Conclusion

Topic Sentence: The character traits in which Dorian Gray possesses result in his own self destruction.

Proof: "He seized the thing, and stabbed the picture with it."(Wilde, chapter 20 page 8) ... "Lying on the floor was a dead man, in evening dress, with a knife in his heart. He was withered, wrinkled, and loathsome of visage."Wilde, chapter 20, page 9)

Explanation: In the context of the novel, in an attempt to rid of his corrupt and selfish soul, Dorian has stabbed the painting, killing himself.

Concluding Statement: Therefore, Dorian Grays self-fulfillment of impersonating youth and beauty leads to corruption and selfishness which results in his eventual downfall.

Restatement of thesis: Due to the characteristics of his personality, Dorian Gray is an example of someone who has a tragic flaw.

Review the key points: Dorian Gray is selfish and corrupt, these characteristics lead to his own self destruction.

End with a thought: Perhaps if Dorian hadn't been so self-involved, he wouldn't have been the very cause of his death.

Hamlet vs. Dorian Gray

In both characters, Hamlet and Dorian Gray, instinct as a guide is a common theme. Both are examples of people who act upon instinct without putting in the thought of how it may affect others or their own future. Hamlet acts upon his instinct when he meets the ghost of his father and decides to pretend to act mad, without considering whether the ghost is real or not. He violently kills Polonius without looking behind the curtain and this prompts Claudius and Laertes to plot their revenge. Dorian on the other hand, breaks off his engagement with Sibyl without considering her feelings, and kills Basil without considering if what Basil had to say was of any value to him. His instincts told him to wreck the painting that reflected his soul. Dorian and Hamlets neglect to think before they act, eventually results in both of their deaths.