Victorian literature often doesn't freely offer explicit sexual stories due to the moral and social norms of that era. However, some works by certain authors might contain veiled allusions to relationships and romance. For example, the works of Thomas Hardy sometimes touch on the complex relationships between men and women in a more subdued way, but not in an overly sexual manner.
One characteristic is that they were a form of rebellion in a way. Despite the repressive social environment regarding sex, some of these novels tried to expose the reality of human sexual nature. They might have complex characterizations where the characters' sexual desires were intertwined with their social status and personal growth. For example, a character's struggle with sexual feelings could be related to their attempts to fit into the upper - class Victorian society.
One common theme could be the strict social mores and how they affected relationships. In the Victorian era, there was a great deal of propriety. So, many stories might touch on the tension between what was publicly acceptable and the private desires of individuals. For example, the idea of courtship being a very formal process, but then there were underlying emotions and attractions that were often suppressed.
Rather than focusing on sexual acts which were not openly discussed in Victorian times, we can look at how the concept of love and attraction was presented. In Victorian literature, like in Jane Austen's works, there were stories of love that were full of subtleties. The way a gentleman would offer his arm to a lady, or the blush on a young woman's face when in the presence of a suitor were all part of the story of relationships in that era, which was as close as it got to the idea of a 'sex story' in a very chaste way.
Examining these excerpts can also reveal the use of language in Victorian literature related to sex. Writers had to be careful with their words due to the social norms. They might use euphemisms or more flowery language to describe sexual themes, which is very different from modern, more direct writing styles.
The stories reflected the value of propriety. People were expected to act in a certain way, and any deviation in sexual matters was frowned upon. So, in Victorian sex stories, characters were often shown either conforming to these standards or facing the negative consequences of not doing so. This was a way to reinforce the values of the society at that time.
There were some authors who dabbled in exploring sexual themes within the Victorian context. One was Thomas Hardy. His works often delved into complex relationships and had undertones related to sexual desires and the restrictions society placed on them.
Victorian literature often features complex moral and social themes. For example, many works explored the class differences and the struggles of the poor. Dickens' 'Oliver Twist' is a great example, showing the harsh life of orphans in a Victorian society.
Local libraries also have a great collection of Victorian - era family - related books. You can borrow books like 'The Mill on the Floss' by George Eliot. This book shows the relationship between family members, their dreams, and the challenges they face in a Victorian context. It's a great way to learn about Victorian family values and lifestyles.