Books matching: victorian hypocrisy
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- #1
'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a tragic tale following the life of Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbevilles. Meeting her cousin Alec proves to be her downfall, leading to a series of events where she must navigate love, betrayal, and societal prejudices. Hardy defies conventions by focusing on the rural lower class, offering a frank treatment of sexuality and religion, while portraying a victim of Victorian hypocrisy with compelling depth and emotion.
The narrative delves into Tess's struggles against her own perceived weaknesses, the brutality of others, and the prejudices of society. Through a mix of cruelty, oppression, and misguided forgiveness, Tess's tragic journey unfolds, challenging readers to question the purity of her character and the societal norms that shape her fate.
ON AN EVENING IN the latter part of May a middle-aged man was walking homeward from Shaston to the village of Marlott, in the adjoining Vale of Blakemore or Blackmoor. The pair of legs that carried hi... 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic tale exploring the duality of human nature through the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Set in London, the story follows the lawyer Mr. Utterson as he uncovers the mysterious connection between the respected Dr. Jekyll and the sinister Mr. Hyde. The narrative delves into themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of suppressing one's dark side, all presented in a gothic and suspenseful writing style.
M r. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary, and yet some...- #3
The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope is the third novel in the Palliser series, focusing on the character Lizzie Eustace who marries for money and becomes embroiled in schemes to keep control of a diamond necklace that rightly belongs to her late husband's family. The book delves into themes of greed, manipulation, and societal expectations, with a plot centered around the disputed ownership of the diamonds and Lizzie's deceitful actions. The writing style is characterized by detailed characterizations, a focus on the complexities of Victorian morality, and a narrative that explores the veneration of wealth and the dynamics of the English upper class in the mid-1800s.
The reader has, or will have, but little to do with these days, and may be hurried on through the twelve, or even twenty-four months which followed the death of poor Sir Florian. The question of the h...
(Also, see 75 recommendations for the series Palliser ) - #4
'The Perfect Mistress' by Betina Krahn is a historical romance set in Victorian England, following the story of Gabrielle La Coeur, the daughter of a courtesan, who is determined to find a respectable husband despite her mother's plans for her to become a mistress. When Gabrielle meets Pierce St. James, a libertine who is against the hypocrisy of Victorian society, they agree to help each other achieve their goals through a farcical scheme that ultimately backfires, leading to unexpected consequences. The book is praised for its engaging plot, witty dialogues, and fast-paced storyline that keeps readers interested until the end.
But the notion of being an accomplice to that age-old female ritual, the husband hunt, still made him feel uneasy… as if he were somehow betraying his sex. He took a deep breath and paced across the r... - #5
'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde is a witty comedy set in Victorian England, exploring themes of mistaken identities, societal norms, and the importance of sincerity. The plot revolves around two men, Jack and Algernon, who create fictitious personas named Ernest to escape their social obligations. As their deceptions unravel, the play delves into the absurdity of high society and the farcical nature of human relationships. Wilde's writing style is characterized by sharp humor, clever dialogue, and satirical commentary on the conventions of his time.
ALGERNON. I'm sorry for that, for your sake. I don't play accurately – any one can play accurately – but I play with wonderful expression. As far as the piano is concerned, sentiment is my forte. I ke... - #6
Oscar Wilde's play, 'A Woman of No Importance', explores the themes of societal judgment, gender inequality, and the consequences of youthful indiscretions. The story follows a mother, Mrs. Arbuthnot, who maintains her dignity in the face of disgrace while trying to protect her son, Gerald, from the truth about his parentage. The play delves into the hypocrisy of Victorian society, where women are harshly judged for their actions while men escape unscathed, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by women in such a society. Wilde's writing style is characterized by sharp wit, clever dialogue, and social commentary that challenges the norms of his time.
LADY CAROLINE: I think not, John. Well, you couldn’t come to a more charming place than this, Miss Worsley, though the house is excessively damp, quite unpardonably damp, and dear Lady Hunstanton is s... - #7
'Once a Fallen Lady' by Eve Pendle follows the story of Lydia, a woman who has been living a makeshift life for the past ten years, concealing her past and raising her daughter, Annie, alone. When Annie falls ill with symptoms of polio, Mr. Alfred Lowe, Annie's teacher, steps in to help, forming a bond with Lydia and her daughter. The book explores Lydia's struggles, the societal pressures she faces, and the growing attraction between Lydia and Alfred despite their different backgrounds.
The plot of 'Once a Fallen Lady' revolves around Lydia's journey towards finding happiness and acceptance, with unexpected plot twists and well-crafted characters that draw readers into the world created by Eve Pendle. The writing style is described as transporting readers into the historical romance setting, with attractive characters, societal challenges, and a storyline that keeps readers engaged till the end.
- #8
'Erewhon' by Samuel Butler is a satirical novel that critiques Victorian society by presenting a traveler's discovery of a backward kingdom. The story is filled with shallow allegories that reflect societal norms and values, such as the ban on machinery and the absurdities of the Erewhonian society. The book explores themes such as the fear of machines surpassing human capabilities, societal hypocrisy, and the consequences of extreme ideologies.
IF the reader will excuse me, I will say nothing of my antecedents, nor of the circumstances which led me to leave my native country; the narrative would be tedious to him and painful to myself. Suffi... - #9
'Ruth' by Elizabeth Gaskell is a novel that follows the story of Ruth, an orphan who is seduced and abandoned by her lover, leading her to become an unmarried mother. The book explores themes of redemption, deception, and Victorian morality, shedding light on the struggles faced by unmarried mothers during that era. Ruth's journey of repentance and judgment is portrayed through the lens of societal expectations and the challenges she faces as she tries to make the best of her life for the sake of her child.
The writing style of 'Ruth' is described as realistic, albeit a bit melodramatic for some readers. The novel presents a nuanced perspective on Victorian era morals and mores, offering a multi-faceted portrayal of characters and societal tribulations. Through Ruth's character development and the interactions with other key figures in the story, the book delves into the complexities of human behavior, societal prejudices, and the consequences of individual actions.
There is an assize-town in one of the eastern counties which was much distinguished by the Tudor sovereigns, and, in consequence of their favour and protection, attained a degree of importance that su...