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 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.
It reflects the class differences. The upper - class characters have a certain lifestyle and set of values, while the lower - class characters are in a different position. For example, servants play an important role and their treatment shows the social hierarchy. The strict moral code of Victorian society is also evident. Characters are judged based on their actions in relation to this code.
The woman in white might represent the repressed female in Victorian society. Victorian society had strict norms for women. The woman in white, often with a melancholy or otherworldly air, could be seen as a manifestation of the unexpressed desires and frustrations of women at that time. For example, she might be a woman who has been wronged by society's restrictions on love and marriage, and her white clothing could symbolize her purity that has been violated or unappreciated.
She also contributed to the exploration of female characters in gothic novels. Victorian society was patriarchal, but the woman in white character allowed for a different kind of female representation. She was often complex, not just a simple damsel in distress. Her presence led to a deeper exploration of female emotions, desires, and the female experience within the context of the gothic genre, which was often used to comment on the real - life situation of women in Victorian society.
The woman in white plays a crucial role in creating a horror atmosphere in Victorian horror novels. Her appearance alone is quite disturbing. The fact that she is always dressed in white gives her an otherworldly and spectral quality. She often moves silently, which adds to the sense of unease. Moreover, her backstory usually involves some sort of tragedy or wrong - doing, which haunts not only her but also the characters in the story. Her very existence in the narrative serves as a reminder of the dark and hidden aspects of the Victorian society, such as secrets, betrayal, and the mistreatment of women. This all combines to create a thick and palpable horror atmosphere that lingers throughout the novel.
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 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.
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.