ENG4U1 Evaluation: Oscar Wilde’sThe Picture of Dorian Gray

YourIn-ClassEssay

To Be Written: January 10th-11th, 2017

IN-CLASS ESSAY DUE DATE:

Please be prepared to submit your in-class essay at the end of the period onWednesday January 11th, 2017.

  • Choose one of the following essay topics and write afour-paragraphliterary essay. The essay can be hand-written on foolscap paper, but must be double-spaced and properly cited (please use correct MLA formatting). Your essay will need to include direct quotationsfrom the novel as the proof for your points (arguments), as well as specific references to the text in your analysis. Your literary essay should include an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Order of Completion:

  • PLEASE COMPLETE STEPS #1-3 OVER THE WINTER BREAK!
  1. Select a topicand brainstorm as many arguments and approaches to the topic question as possible over the Winter Break.
  1. Develop a thesis statement over the Winter Break. Remember, this must be an arguable statement, meaning that it needs to be more than a statement that is obvious or universally accepted. Take a clear position in this statement.
  1. Create an essay outline over the Winter Break. Develop 2 relevant supporting arguments (to structure each body paragraph). For each argument (body paragraph) you will need a minimum of 2 points (arguments), 2 proofs (this must be a direct quotation from the text), as well as a thorough follow-up analysis for each point and proof. Plan your work thoughtfully on this outline.
  1. From the planning that you have produced from your brainstorming and outline, you will begin to write your essay in-class on Tuesday January 10th, 2017 (YOUR NOTES AND YOUR NOVEL ARE PERMITTED DURING THE WRITING PROCESS). Develop your arguments and analysis in paragraph format, use transitions to improve the flow of your writing, include citations for your quotations (MLA style), etc.
  1. You will be required to finish and submit your in-class essay at the end of the period on Wednesday January 11th, 2017. Before you hand-in your essay, please make sure to read it over and complete your ownproofreading andself-editing in an effort to eliminate avoidable errors.

Topic Choices:

  • Take a clear position(yourthesis statementmust guide your analysis) based on ONE of the following topics provided….
  1. The Picture of Dorian Gray is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living a life of hedonism.
  1. Explore the ways in which Basil Hallward is a character foil to Dorian Gray.
  1. Examine the ways in which Lord Henry is responsible for Dorian’s moral destruction.
  1. There are many moments in the novel when Dorian Gray could have redeemed himself, but ultimately his destruction is inevitable.
  1. Comment on the validity of the quotation, “All art is quite useless” in reference to The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  1. Comment on the role of mortality and the fear of aging/death in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  1. Analyze The Picture of Dorian Gray as a satirical piece of writing.
  1. Comment on the validity of the quotation, “Purity of mind and idleness are incompatible” in reference to The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the importance and purpose of art.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the supremacy of youth and beauty.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the superficial and hypocritical nature of society.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the negative consequence of influence.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the negative consequence of hedonism.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of how the love of one’s self supersedes the love one might have for other people.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of appearance versus reality.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the conflict between good and evil.
  1. Analyze how a literary element/device in the novel develops the theme of the tragic loss of innocence.
  1. Analyze the problematic view of women that is conveyed in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  1. Analyze the use and effect of epigrams in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  1. Comment on the validity of the quotation, "Each of us has Heaven and Hell in him"in connection to characterization in the novel.
  1. Analyze the use and effect of gothic elements (horror and the grotesque, romance and beauty, the supernatural) in The Picture of Dorian Gray.
  1. Analyze the use and effect of character archetypes (the corruptor, the tyrant, the maniac/madman, the sacrificial lamb) in The Picture of Dorian Gray.