Victorian Society celebrated ideals of family life and respectability. In literary texts of the time the smooth surface of social decorum and moral integrity is often challenged by the desires and ... read more
Victorian Society celebrated ideals of family life and respectability. In literary texts of the time the smooth surface of social decorum and moral integrity is often challenged by the desires and experiences of outsiders. They allow glimpses into a life of unconventional values, excitement and adventure and introduce readers to alternatives worlds. However, the possibilities open to these outsiders are highly gendered. In this seminar we will look at Victorian social roles and ask how they are affected by alterity in general, by alternative ways of family life and in how far they are challenged by female characters at the margin.
