Welcome to our study resource hub for The Picture of Dorian Gray. This page is designed for learners of English who want to understand the structure and plot of the novel and improve their English at the same time. Here you will find a clear video that explains the story, vocabulary and grammar support to help you understand important language and visual mind maps that show how the structure and the plot are connected.
Our video series (three videos) guide you through this process:
- the first video explores the analysis of the structure and plot of the novel through the creation of a mind map;
- the second one analyses the title, genre and setting through the creation of a mind map;
- the third one brings the maps together to demonstrate how to create a complete oral text from a mind map that integrates the title, genre, structure/plot and setting.
Use these tools to gain confidence in speaking, review key literary elements of the book analysis and build your English skills step-by-step.
In this video, you will hear a clear explanation of the structure and plot in The Picture of Dorian Gray. The story is told in three parts: the beginning, the middle and the end, so you can follow the plot step-by-step. This will help you understand what happens to Dorian, his portrait and the people around him. The video also helps you practice English listening skills with simple, slow speech. You can also use this video to model your own English oral text.
Please watch the video first and then use the vocabulary list below. Watch the video again and then use the mind maps to study or review the analysis.
Word List for Talking
About the Plot
of The Picture of Dorian Gray
The following word list was made with our Interactive Word List. Feel free to fill it out with other words, definitions and useful expressions.
INTERACTIVE WORD LIST |
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Words |
Meanings |
Translations |
| Expansion | The action of becoming larger or extensive | |
| Censorship | The suppression of speech or public communication | |
| Tone down | To make something less intense | |
| Temp shift | A change or jump in the passage of time | |
| Faustian bargain | A deal with one trait morals for success/power | |
| Hedonistic | Engaged in the pursuit of pleasure above all else | |
| Conceal | To keep from sight, to hide | |
| Restoration | The action of returning something to its former condition | |
Useful Expressions |
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Divided into: the novel is divided into two symmetrical sections; the book is divided into three main chapters.
Represents the idea of: the locked room represents the idea of a hidden guilty conscience; a white flag represents the idea of surrender. A chain of cause and effect: you have to see the plot as a chain of cause and effect; climate change is a chain of cause an effect. Descends into: over 18 years, Dorian descends into moral corruption; the conversation quickly descended into an argument. Unable to bear: unable to bear the portrait's hideous reality, Dorian stabs the canvas; she was unable to bear the heat so she went inside. |
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Grammar | ||
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The passive voice:
Formation: [Subject/Object] + [be] + [Past participle] Example: the novel is divided into two symmetrical sections (structural focus); the subtext was toned down due to censorship (historical focus). |
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Mind Maps for Studying
The Picture of Dorian Gray
1) Complete Mind Map
Use this comprehensive map to see how the novel's symmetrical structure aligns with key narrative milestones, from the portrait's creation to the final resolution in the locked room.
2) Simplified Mind Map of the Structure and Plot
For B1 and B2 learners, this simplified map focuses on the essential "Symmetry vs. Plot" relationship, making the complex narrative easier to navigate.
3) Mind Map of the Structure
Explore the technical evolution of the text, including the addition of the Preface and the development of the symmetrical structure.
4) Mind Map of the Plot
Follow the specific plot milestones: from Basil's studio to the locked room.
5) Blank Mind Map
Screenshot or copy/print this blank template to practise active recall. Can you fill in the structural gaps and connect the plot points yourself? Can you expand the mind map? A perfect exercise for exam preparation.