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Victorian Literature Common Themes - Coggle Diagram

- - - - Jane Eyre
        
        Realism stories such as Jane Eyre use female protagonists in domestic settings to further political agendas through literature. For example, Jane Eyre placed middle class in a similarly positive light that was associated with the upper class in literature. This was to frame the middle class as close equals to the upper class, however, this couldn't be framed effectively with a male protagonist, as it would be seen as too "political" and an attack against the upper class. However, in the form of a realism centered novel with a female protagonist, because these type of books are seen as frivolous, domestic life issues, they could easily slip under the radar and fulfill their political motives.
    - - North & South
        
        Compromise was seen as the best solution to the issues circulating between Thornton and his workers. Thornton solved his workers revolt by taking the advice of Margaret and opening up more opportunities for communication between his workers. This demonstrates the popular belief echoed by many philosophers that the only way to stifle the imminent revolt of the lower classes is to grant them the bare minimum of demands to keep the system of capitalism while keeping the lower classes necessary for capitalism to continue happy.
  - - - North & South
        
        With the introduction of the industrial age came a rise of social mobility, thus creating a new classes amongst the bourgeoisie, new money (money made from industrialization, first generation millionaire) and old money (generational wealth, traditional values). This was demonstrated in the differences between Margaret and Thornton in North & South, with Margaret carrying more old-fashioned values (value on community, traditional social cues) and Thornton more in tune with newer customs (value on equality and individualism)
- - - - She describes land outside of Europe as backwards and prehistoric, describes the Amahagger as savage and primitive and characterizes Europe as the center of the modern world, and the savior to all other non-European countries.
    - - Jane Eyre takes a similar stance when describing countries outside of Europe, primarily in Rochester's time in Jamaica. Rochester is described to be corrupted by living and interacting with the people in Jamaica. Bertha's family being a prime example of the belief that all land and people outside Europe are backwards. Bertha's family is repeatedly described as crazed and uncivilized. Bertha herself is described as barbaric and insane. This is done to paint Jane, the symbol of the middle class, as more morally and socially superior to upper class woman Bertha, it's connected to the book's attempt to politicize domesticity and distinguish the middle class.
  - - - Romance books such as She valued themes such as adventure and discovery in their stories in an attempt to reject the "feminized" culture that critics found to be dominating Britain (like with popular books such as Jane Eyre and North & South) and add more masculine-like themes to popular literature. This is echoed in She, where the story revolves around Holly and Leo embarking on a journey to Africa. This genre usually encompassed colonialism, which was seen as a prime example of a noble, manly conquest.
- - - - Etiquette
        
        North & South
        
        Demonstrated in the cultural differences between Margaret and Thornton, with Margaret struggling to adapt to her new surroundings in the North. Margaret is accustomed to the social rules in the South as an upper class woman. A clear example being the missed handshake, where Margaret mistakenly bows, a traditional social cue, when Thornton offers a handshake. It was seen as disrespectful, with Margaret being painted as uppity and snobbish for doing an old-fashioned bow to Thornton's handshake, which demonstrates equal footing. This references semi-new etiquette rules that came with the sudden rush of social mobility amongst the middle and lower class, as the middle class seeked to distinguish themselves from lower classes, they began to present themselves as upper class by following a set of social rules and etiquette.
  - - - In Jane Eyre, Jane and most female characters in the story have roles mainly taking place indoors, in a house or in a school, such as Jane's main roles being a teacher, governess and housewife towards the end. Many of the other female characters have similar roles, teachers, maids, housekeeper, housewife etc. Most notably, this idea of separate spheres is exemplified in Bertha's character, with her being trapped in Rochester's house for ten years, being one of Jane's main worries about her love and potential marriage to Rochester, she fears being trapped like Bertha and having her autonomy stifled
    - - In She, characters seem to be forced into certain caricature roles to fit stereotypes on men and women alike. For example, Holly is constantly characterized as smart and inquisitive, but hideous and unattractive to women. Whereas, Leo is characterized as extremely handsome, but not as shrewd as Holly. Even when speculating over what Ayesha could look like before meeting her, Holly pictured the idea of a "naked savage queen, a languishing oriental beauty, or a nineteenth century young lady", objectifying women by diminishing them to their sexual value.
    - - She
        
        In She, Ayesha acts as an allusion to the "new woman", an idea of woman in the Victorian era who carry themselves as more independent, career-oriented, and in tune with their sexuality and desires. This idea of women was highly criticized, with the new woman being seen as a threat to British society. Thus, Ayesha, the threat of the novel to the two protagonists, is presented as the new woman by her appearance, characteristics and powers. She's pictured as the "perfect woman" with lovely curves and a soft voice, however she's described as a woman in a position of high power, as the divine leader of the Amahagger tribe and having supernatural powers, as well as frequent symbolism referenced in her appearance (snakes)
  - - - Homosexuality
        
        Sodomy (act) > > Homosexual (identity)
        
        The Picture Of Dorian Gray
        
        Dorian Gray was encouraged to feed into his desires, which, in the eyes of society, are seen as sinful and shameful. This is a reference to the hinted homoeroticism written throughout the story. Dorian reacts negatively to this sudden urge to act on his desires and acts ashamed of his thoughts. This can be connected to the new societal stigmatization on homosexuality, with the label of "homosexual" acting as a device to other people from society and set rigid social standards
      - Women
        
        North & South
        
        Demonstrated in the protest outside Mr. Thornton's house, when Margaret held onto Thornton in an attempt to shield him from the mob, however, this was construed as taboo for an unmarried women to hold tightly onto a man in public. Later, Margaret tried to convince herself out of being ashamed of the action by justifying it as protecting Thornton. This is connected to the stigmatization on women being prideful of their sexuality.