Picture of Dorian Gray (Graphic Planet: Grahic Horror)
Graphic Horror Series
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
A graphic novel based on the Oscar Wilde classic, in which an incredibly handsome young man in Victorian England retains his youthful appearance over the years while his portrait reflects both his age and evil soul as he pursues a life of decadence and corruption. When Dorian Gray's portrait is painted, it reveals him to be a man of outer beauty. He realizes then that he cannot possibly stay as young as that time. He makes a shocking wish, which comes true. No matter how he behaved, he stayed youthful and his portrait became older and older. Read the tale's stunning conclusion in this striking graphic novel adaptation. Graphic Planet is an imprint of Magic Wagon, a division of ABDO Group. Grades 5-8.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-13
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Dorian Gray
Sibyl Vane
Basil Hallward
James Vane
Lord Henry Wotton
Discussion points
How do the choices Dorian Gray makes affect the people around him and his own future?
What role do you think appearance plays in how we treat others and how we feel about ourselves?
How did the artwork in the graphic novel enhance or change your understanding of the story's themes?
What lessons can we learn about responsibility and consequences from Dorian's experiences?
If Dorian had a friend advising him, what do you think they would have told him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in the shoes of different characters. Use the graphic elements of the novel to discuss visual storytelling and what emotions or ideas the images evoke. Highlight the moral aspects of the story and relate them to everyday decisions and consequences. Be open to discussing complex themes and Dorian's decisions, fostering an environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of vanity and selfishness
Explanation: Dorian Gray's pursuit of eternal youth and beauty, driven by vanity, leads to moral decay and destruction, illustrating the destructive consequences of excessive self-indulgence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of valuing inner qualities over external appearance, fostering humility and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The impact of negative influence
Explanation: Dorian is heavily influenced by Lord Henry's hedonistic and amoral philosophy, which encourages him to make detrimental choices.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of choosing friends and role models who have a positive influence on their character and decision-making.
Example Lesson: The importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions
Explanation: Dorian’s refusal to accept the consequences of his actions leads to a life of unhappiness and ultimate self-destruction.
Real-World Application: It emphasizes to children the importance of owning up to their mistakes and learning from them, rather than blaming others or avoiding responsibility.
Example Lesson: The inevitability of aging
Explanation: Despite his supernatural ability to remain young while his portrait ages, Dorian cannot escape the natural consequences of time.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept the natural process of aging and the value of gaining wisdom and experience over time rather than fearing getting older.
Example Lesson: The duality of human nature
Explanation: The contrast between Dorian's outward beauty and inward corruption highlights the complexity of human nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand that people are not always what they appear to be on the surface, stressing the importance of developing depth of character.