330 likes | 461 Views
The Victorian era – the historical & Cultural contexts. The Victorian Age in England. The Victorian age refers to the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted 63 years, from 1838 to 1901. Victorian = Repression. Victorian society placed strict moral constraints on the upper class.
E N D
The Victorian Age in England • The Victorian age refers to the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted 63 years, from 1838 to 1901.
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.
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.
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?
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?
Why did and why do people find Jekyll and Hyde so compelling?
Addiction • Duality of man • Social issues • Hypocrisy of society • Social Darwinism • Political issues • Identity • Science! • change
Famous guys-literary interpretations • Darwin • Marx • Freud
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.
May 22, 1859 – July 7, 1930 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Life • Born in Edinburgh, Scotland • Charles Doyle and Mary foley • Dad was chronic alcoholic • Mom had passion for books and storytelling
Studied medicine @ U. of Edinburgh and there began writing short stories • Started independent medical practice and while waiting for patients, wrote short stories
Played soccer [goalie], cricket, and golf • Two wives; five children • Moved to london 1891 and became opthamologist. • No patients = writing time
Killed off holmes in 1893 but public outcry brought him back to life! • Holmes appeared in 56 short stories and 4 novels
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
His greatest masterpiece… • SHERLOCK HOLMES • His greatest masterpiece and literary contribution was his albatross. Why? • WHAT MAKES A GREAT MYSTERY? • Think-pair-share
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.
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.
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?