Victorian novels portrayed domestic crime as something that could be both a result of individual weakness and a symptom of a larger social malaise. Take the case of domestic violence. It could be due to an individual's lack of self - control, but also because of the patriarchal society that gave men too much power in the domestic sphere. The novels aimed to make the readers think about how to correct these social ills.
Often as a means of highlighting social problems. Victorian novels showed domestic crime to point out the flaws in the family structure and society. For instance, crimes like embezzlement within a family business.
In Victorian novels, domestic crime often involved issues like theft within the household. Servants might steal from their masters. For example, in some novels, a maid steals a valuable piece of jewelry from the lady of the house. This was a reflection of the strict class hierarchies and economic disparities of the time.
Well, often domestic arts are used to show the daily life of characters in fantasy novels. They can be a way to differentiate between different cultures within the fantasy world. Take a story where one tribe is known for their intricate weaving as a domestic art. This not only gives depth to their culture but also can play a role in the plot, like when a valuable woven item is stolen.
In crime fiction, guilt can be portrayed in various ways. Often, the guilty character may show signs of nervousness, like fidgeting or avoiding eye contact. For example, in many classic detective novels, the murderer might be sweating or stuttering when questioned. Their guilt also manifests in their attempts to cover up their actions, such as creating false alibis or trying to mislead the investigator.
Women in crime fiction can be femme fatales. They use their charm and wits to manipulate situations and people, often for their own gain. These characters add an element of mystery and allure to the story. On the other hand, there are also motherly figures who might be trying to protect their families from the threats of crime. They can be a source of stability and moral compass in the chaotic world of crime depicted in the stories.
The victim is often portrayed as vulnerable. They might be in the wrong place at the wrong time or have a weakness that is exploited by the criminal.
Nepotism in crime fiction often serves as a source of conflict. It can create an unfair advantage for certain characters. Consider a crime family where the boss gives preferential treatment to his son in matters of illegal business operations, which then leads to internal power struggles as other members feel slighted.
They are often portrayed as strong - willed. Since they had to break through the barriers of a male - dominated medical field in Victorian times, they are shown as determined in the novels. They don't let the social norms stop them from practicing medicine.
Male characters are usually portrayed as the main action - takers in crime fiction. They are often the ones chasing the criminals or being the criminals themselves. For instance, in many classic detective stories, the male detective is the hero.
Nazis in Scandinavian crime fiction can be presented in different ways. Sometimes they are the main antagonists, driving the plot forward with their hidden motives and dark pasts. Other times, they are part of a complex web of historical events that the characters have to untangle. For instance, a detective might stumble upon a Nazi - era conspiracy while investigating a modern - day crime, and as he digs deeper, he discovers how the past is still very much alive in the present. This not only makes for an exciting plot but also gives the story a deeper meaning about the long - term consequences of historical atrocities.
One of the best Victorian crime novels is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It's often considered a pioneer in the detective fiction genre. The complex plot, with the mystery of the stolen diamond, and the multiple narrators make it a very engaging read.