The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Metamorphosis

The Metamorphosis--Kafka If you could wake up and be anything—what would you most long for? What would you decidedly not want to wake up as? Explain why.

What if I told you that tomorrow you would wake up and be a COCKROACH What if I told you that tomorrow you would wake up and be a COCKROACH?!? Would you come to school? What would your family think? How would they treat you? What would concern you? Here, my pretty!!

This is the basis of The Metamorphosis! No, for reals.  Merry Christmas present to you!! What to look for while you read: Dream-like quality Self-alienation “Disposal” of people? Yay or nay? What capacity do all humans hold for evil? (Context of Holocaust) What is it that makes us human? Or all we all just cockroaches zipped up in humans’ clothing? What constitutes our identity?

The Picture of Dorian Gray What would you be willing to sacrifice for beauty? To what extent does our culture value youth and beauty? How do you know?

Take a moment to brainstorm your favorite artists; consider musicians, poets/writers, artists and even those who employ an unlikely “art.” Jot down a list of your favorites.

“Paradoxically though it may seem, it is none the less true that life imitates art far more than art imitates life” (Oscar Wilde). Consider the artists you listed above and their works. To what extent do you agree/disagree with Wilde? Be sure to explain why using specific examples.

The following text is the Preface to Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. Read each statement and decide whether you agree (A), disagree (D), or are unsure (U). Label your position in the blank. Then, select two of Wilde’s claims and explain your rationale for your position in a few sentences each. Refer back to your list of favorite artists above for concrete details.

The Picture of Dorian Gray What to look for as you read: Obsession with youth and beauty Which prevails: good or evil? The seduction of appearances Are there—should there be—universal morals? Remember the bathtub scene in Breaking Bad? What, if anything, is the purpose of art? What responsibility does an artist have to/over his/her artwork?