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Books matching: victorian morality

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  1. #1

    Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell
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    '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...

  2. #2

    The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles
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    In "The French Lieutenant's Woman," John Fowles masterfully plunges readers into 19th century Victorian England, exploring social customs, sexual taboos, and moral attitudes through the characters of Charles Smithson and Sarah Woodruff. The novel is a blend of historical dramatic fiction set in the late 19th century in England, written with touches of 20th-century metafiction, where the author cleverly critiques his Victorian protagonists from a modern perspective. Fowles presents a complex narrative with multiple possible endings, challenging the reader's perception of free will, evolution, and societal norms.

    The story follows Charles Smithson, a Victorian gentleman engaged to Ernestina, who becomes fascinated with Sarah Woodruff, a mysterious woman rumored to be the spurned ex-mistress of a French naval officer. Through Fowles' unique narrative style, which combines elements of the Victorian era with 20th-century commentary, readers are taken on a journey of love, betrayal, societal expectations, and personal identity, all set against the backdrop of a changing world and conflicting values.

    AN EASTERLY IS the most disagreeable wind in Lyme Bay – Lyme Bay being that largest bite from the underside of England’s outstretched south-western leg – and a person of curiosity could at once have d...

  3. #3

    Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
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    '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...

  4. #4

    Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
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    Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood is a historical fiction novel based on the true story of Grace Marks, a servant convicted of a double murder in 19th century Canada. The story is told through Grace's own words to a doctor interested in her case, exploring themes of class structure, the legal system, and the blurred lines between innocence and guilt. Atwood weaves the narrative with flashbacks, quilt block patterns, and other hints about women's lives during that time, creating a psychologically interesting and haunting story.

    Out of the gravel there are peonies growing. They come up through the loose grey pebbles, their buds testing the air like snails’ eyes, then swelling and opening, huge dark-red flowers all shining and...

  5. #5
    Little Women
    Book 1 in the series:Little Women

    Little Women - Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
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    Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a heartwarming tale that follows the lives of four sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they navigate the challenges of growing up during the American Civil War. The story captures the essence of family bonds, love, friendship, and loss as the March family copes with the absence of their father and the hardships of war. Each sister has a unique personality, with Jo standing out as a courageous and independent spirit, while Beth is portrayed as gentle and kind-hearted. Through timeless struggles and enduring themes of morality, sacrifice, and love, the March sisters' story resonates with readers of all ages.

    The narrative delves into the coming-of-age journey of the March sisters, exploring their individual paths to womanhood and self-discovery. Jo, a tomboy with a passion for writing, unexpectedly finds love, while Amy embraces her artistic talents and travels to France. The family's togetherness and resilience in the face of adversity serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of unity and support during difficult times. Alcott's writing style weaves a captivating story that balances moments of joy and sorrow, leaving readers laughing and crying alongside the March sisters as they navigate life's challenges and triumphs.

    The four young faces on which the firelight shone brightened at the cheerful words, but darkened again as Jo said sadly, “We haven’t got Father, and shall not have him for a long time.” She didn’t say...

  6. #6

    Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti
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    Christina Rossetti's 'Goblin Market' is a dark and creepy narrative poem that explores themes of women in the Victorian Era, sexuality, womanhood, and religion. The poem follows two sisters who are tempted by the river goblins and their forbidden fruit, leading to a tale of self-sacrifice, sisterly love, and the consequences of giving in to desires. The writing style is described as mysterious, deep, and fairy tale-like, with a mix of humor and sadness that keeps readers engaged and offers layers of interpretation.

    But sweet-tooth Laura spoke in haste: “ Good folk, I have no coin ; To take were to purloin : I have no copper in my purse, I have no silver either, And all my gold is on the furze That shakes in wind...

  7. #7

    Gothic Tales by Elizabeth Gaskell
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    Gothic Tales by Elizabeth Gaskell is a collection of short stories and novellas that delve into Gothic themes such as disappearances, curses, witches, and ancestral sins haunting younger generations. The stories are a blend of supernatural elements like ghosts and doppelgangers, along with explorations of the twisted side of human nature, set in eerie and chilling atmospheres. Gaskell's writing style is described as suspenseful, historical, and containing a great deal of detail presented in a lively manner.

    The book offers a mix of horror and social commentary, exploring themes of witchcraft, hauntings, and societal evils with an atmospheric and enthralling tone. Readers appreciate the well-developed and effectively spooky tales that are a refreshing departure from modern horror stories, providing a glimpse into Victorian supernatural fiction through Gaskell's masterful storytelling.

    I am not in the habit of seeing the Household Words regularly; but a friend, who lately sent me some of the back numbers, recommended me to read ‘all the papers relating to the Detective and Protectiv...

  8. 'Inside the Victorian Home: A Portrait of Domestic Life in Victorian England' by Judith Flanders is an exhaustively researched account of upper middle-class life in Victorian England. Flanders delves into social conventions, such as social calling, decorating, food preparation, appropriate dress, expectations of domestic help, and mourning practices. She also explores the portrayal of women in periodicals, novels, and plays of the time, acknowledging the idealized expectations presented in these sources.

    Flanders presents a detailed look at domestic life in Victorian England, drawing from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive view of the era. offers insights into the daily lives of both the upper-class residents and the servants, shedding light on the realities behind the romanticized views often associated with this period.


  9. #9

    Except the Dying - Detective Murdoch by Maureen Jennings
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    Set in late 19th-century Toronto, 'Except the Dying' follows Detective William Murdoch as he investigates the mysterious death of a young pregnant woman. The book delves into the social classes and interactions of the time, providing a detailed and authentic portrayal of life in Canada at the turn of the 20th century. Readers are taken on a journey of uncovering clues and solving the murder in a time when crimes were solved using wit, observation, and deduction rather than modern forensic techniques. The author, Maureen Jennings, weaves a compelling mystery that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.


  10. #10

    Dracula by Bram Stroker
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    Dracula by Bram Stroker is a historic Gothic horror novel that serves as the origin of vampire lore. The story unfolds through letters, diary entries, and newspaper clippings, drawing readers into a suspenseful narrative filled with iconic characters like Van Helsing and atmospheric elements like castles, gypsies, and vampire repellents. Stoker's writing style keeps readers engaged as they piece together the mystery alongside the characters, making it a foundational work that has inspired countless adaptations in movies and books.


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