The Picture of Dorian Gray Lesson Plan

Portrait of a Dandy

Kind of Activity:

Group Work

Objective:

Students will research and discuss Dandyism, how it relates to Oscar Wilde, and how Wilde's own homosexuality is considered linked to it.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1

Structure:

Although he did not define the term, Oscar Wilde is arguably the most famous propagator of Dandyism in history, both in terms of his own persona and the personae of his characters. Indeed, Dorian Gray provides an intriguing glimpse into the life and thoughts of the Dandy through the characters of Dorian and Lord Henry. These are men who fuss greatly over their physical appearance...