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The bible in literature - Coggle Diagram
The bible in literature
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passages alluded to
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most books refer to bible in ideas, etc, but that is not my argument.
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Argument
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Representation of forms of The Bible and its readers: I will investigate the history of The Bible in print and relate this to The Bible as used by characters in The Moonstone and North and South. I will focus primarily on the uses of tracts by Miss Clack (i.e. as a form of currency and to carry out what she thinks of as her spiritual duty), Bessy (as a form of comfort and guidance in her last days, and possibly entertainment to fill her time), Margaret Hale (who has been brought up with its teachings and uses it as an instruction manual to guide her in practical ways), and Mrs Thornton (it is described as the only book visible in her house, possibly used as a way of proclaiming virtue to visitors).
I will also investigate Betteredge's use of Robinson Crusoe as a replacement biblical text, and how he uses it as a spiritual and moral advisor.
I will allude to the debates at this time about biblical authority and Higgin's comments about how the lower classes view the teachings of The Bible as a luxury when they struggle to meet basic needs on a daily basis. This will link to the context of religion in different geographical areas in the Victorian period- the industrial north vs the rural south.
I also wondered about bringing in how the Bible is used in the Gentle Boy. It is not available in print to the masses and as such is only available through the medium of the clergy. It is revered and the whole life of the Puritan community revolves around how those in power choose to interpret it. However, I am not sure about this as it is American and set in the 1660's so an entirely different context to the other two novels.
My argument will be that the Bible was and remains a supremely important book. Regardless of belief, it pervaded Victorian life and is referred to repeatedly, but is open to the interpretation of the reader. It is variously used as a framework for life for all society. It is therefore of great interest how the Bible is represented in literature of the time, as it allows new readers to broaden their perspectives and further societal debates.
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