Historical arranged marriage novels like 'Jane Eyre' reveal the limited options for women in their historical settings. In that time, a woman was expected to marry into a certain social class. Jane, being a governess, was in a lower social position. The proposed marriage to Rochester was a complex situation influenced by these social values. It shows how a woman's economic dependence on a man was seen as normal. Also, the fact that the marriage was almost stopped due to Rochester's existing wife shows the importance of propriety and legality in marriage at that time.
In historical arranged marriage novels, the power dynamics between families often show social values. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', families would try to marry off their daughters to wealthy men. This reflects the importance of financial security and social status in 19th - century England. The fact that a woman's reputation was so crucial also comes out. If she didn't marry well, she could be ostracized. So, arranged marriages were a way to maintain family honor and status.
Marriage novels often reflect social values by showing the expectations placed on couples. For example, in many historical marriage novels, the importance of class and wealth in a marriage is highlighted. In 'Sense and Sensibility', the Dashwood sisters' search for suitable husbands is influenced by their family's reduced financial situation and the need to marry into wealth or at least security.
They reflect social values by showing the relationships between different classes in war. In 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', Hemingway shows the cooperation between different groups of people fighting against fascism. This reflects the values of unity and the fight against tyranny that were important during the Spanish Civil War and also had an impact on American values. Also, in Vietnam War novels like 'The Things They Carried', the way the soldiers dealt with guilt and trauma showed the changing values in American society towards the concept of war.
In 'The Great Gatsby', the characters like Gatsby himself reflect the American Dream of the 1920s. Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and status in order to win back Daisy represents the idea that people could achieve anything through hard work, but also shows the hollowness of that dream as it ultimately leads to his downfall.
Many 1933 historical fictions reflected the social values through the characters' behaviors. For example, in stories set in the United States during the Great Depression, characters often showed values of hard work and survival. They had to do whatever it took to get by, which was a common value during that tough economic time.
Predatory marriage novels can bring to light various social issues. One of them is the objectification of individuals within marriage. When a character is seen as a means to an end in a marriage, it shows how society sometimes views people as objects to be used for personal gain. This could be related to consumerism and materialism in society. Another social issue is the breakdown of family values. If marriages are based on predatory motives, it means that the traditional values of love, respect, and commitment within a family are being ignored. This can have a far - reaching impact on the fabric of society as a whole.
Adult impregnation stories often reflect social values regarding gender roles. In many such stories, the woman is expected to take on certain traditional roles like being the primary caregiver. If she wants to break away from these roles, it can show how society is evolving or struggling with changing gender norms. Also, the support or lack of it from the family and society can indicate the importance placed on family values in a particular culture.
These stories can also show the boundaries of what a society considers acceptable. For example, if a shared wife story is met with strong condemnation in a particular culture, it highlights the importance of monogamy and individual rights in relationships. On the other hand, in cultures where there are complex family structures and shared responsibilities, the story might be seen as an example of adaptation to difficult circumstances.
Spanking historical fiction reflects past social values by showing the power dynamics. In many historical periods, spanking or corporal punishment was seen as a way for those in authority (parents, teachers, masters) to enforce discipline. It shows how society believed in strict control and the use of physical means to correct behavior, often related to ideas of propriety and obedience.
Modern forced marriage novels often reflect the issue of lack of individual freedom. In such stories, characters are pushed into marriages against their will, which mirrors real - life situations where people may be pressured by family or society to marry someone they don't love. It shows how personal desires can be overshadowed by external expectations.
The 1980s historical fiction was a mirror of the decade's social and cultural values in multiple ways. One way was through the exploration of economic values. The 1980s was a time of economic boom in some parts of the world. Historical fictions might look at past economic systems and compare them to the capitalist - driven economy of the 1980s. They could also explore the cultural values of consumerism. By setting stories in the past, they could show how consumerism had either been absent or was emerging in different historical periods. This contrast helped to define the 1980s as a decade of excess and material pursuit in some respects. Moreover, historical fictions often dealt with the concept of family values. They could show how family structures had changed over time and how the 1980s was redefining family in the context of new social norms and economic situations.