Question

Discuss the passage of time in the novel and how it influences our impression of characters and events, especially the glossing-over of 18 years in chapter 11.

A. The passage of time is a central theme in the novel.
B. The glossing-over of 18 years in chapter 11 affects our understanding of characters and events.
C. Time serves as a transformative element in character development.
D. The novel's treatment of time adds complexity to the narrative.
Basil Hallward: "Sin is a thing that writes itself across a man’s face. It cannot be concealed. People talk some× of secret vices. There are no such things." (p126)

A. Dorian's responsibility for the ruined lives of his friends.
B. Lord Henry's role in Dorian's ruined life.
C. Determining responsibility for consequences.
D. Dorian's manipulation of others.
Lord Henry: "I admit that I think it is better to be beautiful than to be good. But on the other hand, no one is more ready than I am to acknowledge that it is better to be good than to be ugly." (p161)

A. Lord Henry's belief in individual freedom as evil.
B. Dorian's interpretation of Lord Henry's ideas.
C. Lord Henry's actual practice of his beliefs.
D. Societal acceptance of Dorian's scandalous behavior.
Dorian: "I have done too many dreadful things in my life. I am not going to do any more. I began my good actions yesterday." (p173)

A. Dorian's acknowledgment of his past actions.
B. The initiation of Dorian's good actions.
C. The moral transformation of Dorian.
D. The consequences of Dorian's decision to change.

Answer 1

The passage of time in a novel affects readers' perception of characters and events, particularly when substantial periods like 18 years are glossed over, adding complexity and challenging readers to infer transformations. Time shapes the language, atmosphere, and social circumstances, while also serving as a transformative element for character development, embodying themes of purity, sin, and moral transformation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage of time is a significant motif in literature and has a profound effect on both the narrative structure and character development within a novel. The glossing-over of substantial periods, such as 18 years in chapter 11, often leaves it to the reader to infer the transformation and progression in characters' lives and the events that have unfolded. This can add to the mystery and complexity of the narrative, as readers must piece together the events that have occurred during the elapsed time. Similarly, understanding the period in which a story is set is crucial, as it affects the language, atmosphere, and social circumstances of the novel, which are essential for readers to immerse themselves in the story fully.

Characters' interactions with time and their growth or deterioration over years can lead to deeper revelations about their inherent traits, motivations, and the consequences of their actions. A significant time jump might illustrate dramatic changes in a character, highlighting themes such as purity, sin, and moral transformation. This literary technique can challenge readers to think retrospectively about the characters, their decisions, and the nuances of causality and responsibility, as implied by the characters' philosophical thoughts and dialogues presented in the text.

Moreover, the narrative time serves as a powerful means to build tension, signify change, and point to the transience of life, aligning with larger themes such as morality, vanity, the pursuit of beauty, and the inevitability of aging. The title of the story often reflects these deeper meanings and themes, bringing an additional layer of interpretation for readers to consider. Similarly, anachronistic elements may signify thematic importance, blending time to impact the readers' perception and challenge their understanding of the conventional flow of narrative events.

Answer 2

The passage of time in the novel is a central theme, influencing our impression of characters and events. The glossing-over of 18 years in Chapter 11 significantly shapes our understanding, highlighting the transformative element of time in character development.

Step-by-step explanation:

The novel intricately weaves the theme of time throughout its narrative, portraying its impact on characters and events. The glossing-over of 18 years in Chapter 11 serves as a narrative device, compressing time to emphasize the consequences of Dorian's actions. This temporal compression not only accelerates the pace but also intensifies the gravity of the characters' choices, leaving readers with a profound sense of the inexorable passage of time.

Moreover, time acts as a transformative element in character development. Dorian's responsibility for the ruined lives of his friends becomes more poignant when viewed in the context of the years that have elapsed. The choices made by characters like Lord Henry and Dorian himself resonate differently when examined through the lens of time. The novel's treatment of time, therefore, adds complexity to the narrative by creating a layered understanding of the characters' motivations and the consequences of their actions over the years.

In conclusion, the glossing-over of 18 years in Chapter 11 not only affects our immediate understanding of events but also underscores the broader theme of time as a force that shapes characters and their fates. This deliberate narrative choice enhances the novel's depth, inviting readers to reflect on the intricate interplay between time, choices, and the moral development of the characters.