The Victorian era – the historical & Cultural contexts

1. The Victorian era– the historical & Cultural contexts

2. The Victorian Age in England • The Victorian age refers to the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted 63 years, from 1838 to 1901.

4. Victorian = Repression • Victorian society placed strict moral constraints on the upper class. • Written/verbal communication of sexual/emotional feelings was taboo • Even the word “leg” was considered vulgar.

5. The Victorian Age: the lower class • Unlike the upper class, they were much more free – • they were a hard drinking, gambling, prostitute visiting bunch • They essentially went the opposite direction of the upper class, totally indulging their every base desire.

6. …They were also super, duper poor.

7. So how does such repression affect human behavior?

8. Temptation! • The upper class was tempted by the freedoms of the lower class. • They gave into their temptations, but had to do so very discretely • They would risk everything – their families, their place in society, their reputation to indulge their desires – • Why?

9. Jekyll vs. Hyde • The story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde deals with this internal conflict - how does one reconcile dark urges with the social pressure to conform?

10. Images of the Victorian Period

12. Why did and why do people find Jekyll and Hyde so compelling?

15. Addiction • Duality of man • Social issues • Hypocrisy of society • Social Darwinism • Political issues • Identity • Science! • change

16. Famous guys-literary interpretations • Darwin • Marx • Freud

17. Veil of Secrecy

18. i·de·ol·o·gy: • noun, plural i·de·ol·o·gies. 1. the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group.

20. May 22, 1859 – July 7, 1930 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

21. Life • Born in Edinburgh, Scotland • Charles Doyle and Mary foley • Dad was chronic alcoholic • Mom had passion for books and storytelling

23. Studied medicine @ U. of Edinburgh and there began writing short stories • Started independent medical practice and while waiting for patients, wrote short stories

24. A study in scarlet first novel introducing Sherlock Holmes

25. Played soccer [goalie], cricket, and golf • Two wives; five children • Moved to london 1891 and became opthamologist. • No patients = writing time

27. Killed off holmes in 1893 but public outcry brought him back to life! • Holmes appeared in 56 short stories and 4 novels

28. Doyle’s Victorian Era Morals & Ethics • Wrote articles, letters, and pamphlets in support of… • Changing English divorce laws which he felt were unfair to women • George Edalji case • Very Patriotic – defended the Boer War which led to him receiving knighthood • Predicted conflict with Germany which led to WW I and devised method of communicating with British prisoners of war

29. His greatest masterpiece… • SHERLOCK HOLMES • His greatest masterpiece and literary contribution was his albatross. Why? • WHAT MAKES A GREAT MYSTERY? • Think-pair-share

30. WHAT MAKES A GREAT MYSTERY? • The crime must be significant. • The detective must be memorable. • The criminal must be a worthy opponent. • The clues must be made available to the reader. • The suspects must appear early in the story. • The solution must be reasonable and possible.

31. Doyle’s favorite Sherlock Holmes story was… • “The Speckled Band” • Sherlock’s foil character is...??? • As you read, determine if this is indeed a good mystery story and investigate Victorian era ideals.

32. Died at 71 from heart attack

33. 1. What do Americans value? • 2. Why do we value these things? • 3. Who influences our value systems, opinions, and beliefs? • 4. Are these ideologies purely American? • 5. Do you agree with American ideologies? • 6. How do we treat those who go against said ideologies? • 7.How do our beliefs and values change over time, if they do at all?