One reason could be the male - dominated historical narrative. Men often held the positions of power and were the main record - keepers. They focused more on their own achievements and events that they considered important, which led to the marginalization of the stories of Victorian women.
The Victorian era's values placed a high emphasis on propriety and modesty for women. This might have made it difficult for their stories to be told in a way that was considered appropriate at the time. Their voices were subdued, and over time, as historical research and writing evolved, they were left out. Even when they made important contributions in areas such as literature (think of female Victorian poets), they were not given the same level of recognition as their male counterparts, and thus gradually got erased from the world story.
The social norms of the Victorian era also played a part. Women were restricted to certain roles, mainly in the domestic sphere. Their contributions outside of that, like in some forms of art or community work that didn't fit the traditional view, were overlooked. And as time passed, these omissions became more pronounced in the overall world story. For example, many Victorian women were involved in early forms of charity work, but this was not given much importance in the grand historical accounts.
One way is through research in archives. There are many personal diaries, letters, and local records that might contain the stories of Victorian women. By carefully examining these sources, we can start to piece together their lives and contributions.
One way it differs is in its treatment of female characters. While Victorian novels often had rather one - dimensional female characters, the 'French Lieutenant's Woman' is more complex. She challenges the norms in a way that is not typical for the time.
The 'fallen woman' in Victorian novels was a complex figure. These women were typically ostracized by society. Novels used them to explore themes such as morality, class, and gender. Often, their 'fall' was not entirely their own fault but a result of the constraints placed on them by society. Dickens also touched on this concept in some of his works, showing how difficult it was for women who deviated from the norm to find acceptance.
The 'new woman' in Victorian novels often shows intelligence and a thirst for knowledge. She is likely to be well - read and interested in ideas. For example, she may participate in discussions on politics or literature. Also, she has a sense of self - worth that is not solely based on her appearance or her family's status. She is more assertive than the traditional Victorian woman and is not afraid to speak her mind, whether it is about social issues or her personal relationships.
The Victorian novels are essential reads as they are masterpieces of literature. In 'Oliver Twist', Dickens exposes the dark underbelly of London, making us aware of the problems faced by the poor. 'Wuthering Heights' is a powerful exploration of love and revenge. Its unique narrative structure and vivid characters make it a great read. 'Middlemarch' is important for its in - depth study of human nature and the impact of social change.
One reason could be that the social and cultural context of the time allowed for more elaborate storytelling. Authors had the space to explore multiple characters and subplots in depth.
One key feature is its complex plot. 'Woman in White' has a mystery at its core, with secrets and revelations that keep the reader engaged. The characters are also typical of Victorian novels, with distinct social classes and moral compasses. The setting, often in grand Victorian houses and landscapes, adds to the atmosphere. There's also a strong sense of propriety and social norms that the characters either abide by or rebel against, which was a common theme in Victorian literature.
The 'fallen woman' in Victorian novels was often depicted as a victim of society's strict moral code. For instance, in some novels, a young woman might be considered 'fallen' just because she was poor and forced into a compromising situation. This representation was significant as it showed the hypocrisy of Victorian society, which claimed to be moral but often pushed women into difficult positions and then condemned them for it.
The woman in white in Victorian horror novels often represents mystery and the supernatural. She is usually depicted as a pale, ghostly figure, wearing white clothing which gives an otherworldly appearance. Her presence is typically associated with unease and foreboding, often being a harbinger of doom or a symbol of a past wrong that cannot be undone.
The new woman was a significant concept in relation to the Victorian novel. Victorian novels often reflected and sometimes challenged the traditional roles of women. The new woman in these novels represented a break from the submissive, domestic ideal. She was more independent, educated, and often sought a role outside of the home. For example, in some novels, new women characters were involved in social reform or pursued careers, which was quite revolutionary for the Victorian era.