Books matching: victorian society critique
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- #1
Save:'Erewhon' by Samuel Butler is a satirical novel that critiques Victorian society by presenting a traveler's discovery of a backward kingdom. The story is filled with shallow allegories that reflect societal norms and values, such as the ban on machinery and the absurdities of the Erewhonian society. The book explores themes such as the fear of machines surpassing human capabilities, societal hypocrisy, and the consequences of extreme ideologies.
IF the reader will excuse me, I will say nothing of my antecedents, nor of the circumstances which led me to leave my native country; the narrative would be tedious to him and painful to myself. Suffi... - #2
Save:In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles masterfully plunges readers into 19th century Victorian England, exploring social customs, sexual taboos, and moral attitudes through the characters of Charles Smithson and Sarah Woodruff. The novel is a blend of historical dramatic fiction set in the late 19th century in England, written with touches of 20th-century metafiction, where the author cleverly critiques his Victorian protagonists from a modern perspective. Fowles presents a complex narrative with multiple possible endings, challenging the reader's perception of free will, evolution, and societal norms.
The story follows Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina, who becomes fascinated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the spurned ex-mistress of a French naval officer. Through Fowles' unique narrative style, which combines elements of the Victorian era with 20th-century commentary, readers are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and personal identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and conflicting values.
AN EASTERLY IS the most disagreeable wind in Lyme Bay – Lyme Bay being that largest bite from the underside of England’s outstretched south-western leg – and a person of curiosity could at once have d... - #3
Save:The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler is a novel that follows the life of Ernest Pontifex, a young man who challenges religious and academic assumptions, reflecting the society of the Victorian era. The story explores the struggles of the Pontifex family over four generations, focusing on characters like Ernest, his parents, and his godfather who plays a significant role in his financial inheritance. The book is a satirical and philosophical commentary on Victorian society, presenting a sarcastic indictment of various aspects of the era.
OLD Mr Pontifex had married in the year 1750, but for fifteen years his wife bore no children. At the end of that time Mrs Pontifex astonished the whole village by showing unmistakable signs of a disp... - #4
Save:'News from Nowhere' by William Morris is a utopian novel set in a future socialist society where the protagonist awakens in a world without private property, poverty, crime, or commercial morality. The narrative explores the idyllic nature of a society where everyone contributes willingly, and the state is replaced by an anarchist collectivity. Morris presents a vision of a future Britain that focuses on cooperation, craftsmanship, and a rejection of industrialization, drawing parallels to the Arts and Crafts movement.
Up at the League, says a friend, there had been one night a brisk conversational discussion, as to what would happen on the Morrow of the Revolution, finally shading off into a vigorous statement by v... - #5
Save:'An Ideal Husband' by Oscar Wilde is a play that delves into the life of Lord Robert Chiltern, a successful politician whose past mistake comes back to haunt him, threatening his political career. The story explores themes of morality, marriage, love, and political corruption, all wrapped in Wilde's signature wit and humor. The play presents a satirical commentary on Victorian England's moral values and societal expectations, blending seriousness with light-heartedness to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged.
At the top of the staircase stands Lady Chiltern, a woman of grave Greek beauty, about twenty-seven years of age. She receives the guests as they come up. Over the well of the staircase hangs a great ... - #6
Save:'The Chimes' by Charles Dickens is a novella set during New Year's Eve, focusing on the story of Toby Veck, a poor messenger striving to keep a life for himself and his daughter. The book delves into themes of poverty, class division, and societal injustices, as Toby encounters goblins who show him the potential misery that may befall his daughter and others. The narrative carries a strong moral message about the impact of circumstances on individuals, particularly the poor, and explores the idea of redemption and hope amidst despair.
The writing style of 'The Chimes' has been described as somber, heavy-handed, and didactic, reminiscent of Dickens' other Christmas stories. The novella includes supernatural elements, such as goblins and visions of a bleak future, similar to 'A Christmas Carol,' although it is noted for lacking the charm and impact of the latter. The story unfolds with a focus on societal critiques, portraying the struggles of the lower classes and the harsh judgment of the wealthy towards the poor, ultimately culminating in a message of compassion and goodwill.
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Save:Oscar Wilde's play, 'A Woman of No Importance', explores the themes of societal judgment, gender inequality, and the consequences of youthful indiscretions. The story follows a mother, Mrs. Arbuthnot, who maintains her dignity in the face of disgrace while trying to protect her son, Gerald, from the truth about his parentage. The play delves into the hypocrisy of Victorian society, where women are harshly judged for their actions while men escape unscathed, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by women in such a society. Wilde's writing style is characterized by sharp wit, clever dialogue, and social commentary that challenges the norms of his time.
LADY CAROLINE: I think not, John. Well, you couldn’t come to a more charming place than this, Miss Worsley, though the house is excessively damp, quite unpardonably damp, and dear Lady Hunstanton is s... - #8
Save:'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde is a witty comedy set in Victorian England, exploring themes of mistaken identities, societal norms, and the importance of sincerity. The plot revolves around two men, Jack and Algernon, who create fictitious personas named Ernest to escape their social obligations. As their deceptions unravel, the play delves into the absurdity of high society and the farcical nature of human relationships. Wilde's writing style is characterized by sharp humor, clever dialogue, and satirical commentary on the conventions of his time.
ALGERNON. I'm sorry for that, for your sake. I don't play accurately – any one can play accurately – but I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte. I ke... - #9
Save:The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders is a historical mystery set in Victorian England, following the adventures of Mrs. Letitia Rodd, a middle-aged clergyman's widow who works as a discreet private investigator with the help of her successful barrister brother. The book delves into the complexities of society in 1850 England, with Letitia solving cases involving family secrets, murder mysteries, and social intrigue. The plot is filled with twists and turns, set against a backdrop of British Victorian values and humor that still resonates with modern audiences.
It was a bright, windy October morning, and Mrs Bentley and I were down in the basement kitchen making a rabbit pudding. The rabbits were a gift from Mrs Bentley’s second son, whose daughter I had hel... - #10
Save:'Our Hideous Progeny' by C. E. Mcgill is a gothic novel set in Victorian England that explores sapphic themes and deconstructs the patriarchal society of the time. The book follows the character Mary Frankenstein Brown, who struggles with societal pressures and misogyny while navigating a complex and haunting narrative. The writing style is described as entrancing, atmospheric, and feminist, blending elements of paleontology and science fiction with a feminist twist on the classic tale of Frankenstein.
