The Victorian Era, Essay Example

The representation of attitudes related to symbolism and impressionism is present in the play of Oscar Wilde. Decadence is a sense of consciousness and curiosity. Aestheticism is related to seeking pleasure. In the book, attitudes of Aestheticism/Decadence are present. Lane seeks pleasure and questions whether marriage is a “pleasant state or not”.Algernon is also a pleasure-seeker. He has no morals, therefore, he is a decadent character as well. However, his main goal in life is to find experiences that bring him beauty and pleasure and avoid unpleasant ones. His only duty is to live beautifully, and he considers this a higher goal than acting morally.   Decadence and curiosity are depicted in the character of Lady Bracknell, who is keen on studying genealogy, however, she is not able to recognize her nephew. The retreat from reality is present in the play, especially in the theme when Jack creates an imaginary brother.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning in the “Sonnet XLIII” uses simple, conversational and emotional tone; something that comes with her role in the society. She does express feelings without adding philosophy and emphasizes the simplicity of women’s love; unconditional, accepting and sensational. On the other hand, Robert Browning, in the “Meeting at Night” is less open about his emotions; he describes them through natural scenes. He does not confess devotion and love the same way as Elizabeth Barrett Browning: he emphasizes the reciprocity of love: “Than the two hearts beating each to each!”. For him, love is about experiences and feelings, but he creates the mood of the poem through the description of the seaside. He does not talk about himself openly; that would not be right according to the traditional roles of a man in Victorian times. He uses symbolism instead of a straightforward language to cover up his emotions.

In the “A Scandal in Bohemia”, Arthur Conan Doyle depicts a change in the society that was present in Victorian times. While Sherlock lives in Baker Street under modest circumstances and Dr Watson also marries into a middle-class home, there is another emerging class. Irene Adler is a woman who is courageous, self-made and well-acquainted; hence, she has a lifestyle that was before only affordable for those who were members of the aristocracy. Her social class is much lower than the King of Bohemia’s, and even though the King wishes she was born to match his rank to be a queen, it is not possible. The king of Bohemia calls in the 3^rd Chapter: “Would she not have made an admirable queen? Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?” The irony of Sherlock Holmes’ reply stating that indeed the King and Irene are on a different level indicates that the author thinks the actress was more valuable a person than the king himself.

Through the above quotes and remarks of the author, it is evident that Arthur Conan Doyle provides a criticism of classes in the society. He suggests that a person’s value should not be determined by their birth; it is something they are born with.

Irene is the member of a new class; one that does not care about appearances, has a questionable reputation and is an independent woman, who is frowned upon by many decent people. At this time, however, upper-middle and higher classes started to accept these people in their circles, because they had high social influence. It is not said how Irene met her husband; Norton, but it is not uncommon for an actress-singer-adventuress to marry a lawyer, according to the new London social norms.

In Victorian London, class was important, and every person was judged  by their appearance. The beggars and loafers appearing on the street in the scene when Irene gets out of the cab are examples of social stereotypes of the Victorian London. When Irene sees Holmes in disguise, she calls: “Is the poor gentleman much hurt?”, judging plainly by his clothes and appearance. Looks, clothes and speech were extremely important in London at the time when the books of Sherlock Holmes are set. Watson being a middle-class doctor, having one servant because “that is how it should be done”. A bachelor like Sherlock Holmes, however, was supposed to rent an apartment where he would be looked after. The only person who does not seem to be at the right place is Irene Adler. She has a large house, elegantly furnished, comfortable rooms, servants. Still, she has no social status according to Victorian norms. All she has is connections, and it is likely that she has made a fortune from engaging in relationships with famous people in position or aristocratic background.

What Irene cares about is getting on with life and making the most out of it. She does not care about social norms. On the other hand, the King of Bohemia is not allowed to care about anything else but his marriage and his secret being kept. The life of traditional social classes is contrasted with the emerging classes’, such as an adventuress or a dandy, who only care about becoming somebody. Middle classes, like Watson and Sherlock Holmes care about appearances, but they do not strive for more. They accept their class. Sherlock Holmes could have the expensive ring of the king, but he prefers the photograph.