The Idea Of The Gentleman In The Victorian Novel
The Victorian era was a time of significant change in the way people lived and thought. One of the most prominent ideas in the era was the idea of the gentleman. The notion of the gentleman was prevalent in Victorian literature, especially in the novel. The Victorians had a particular view of what a gentleman should be, and this view is reflected in the novels of the period.
The Characteristics Of A Gentleman
According to the Victorians, a gentleman was someone who possessed certain qualities. These qualities included politeness, respectability, and a sense of responsibility. A gentleman was expected to be well-educated, well-mannered, and well-dressed. He was supposed to be a man of honor, who always kept his word and did what was right.
The Gentleman In Victorian Literature
The gentleman was a recurring character in Victorian literature, especially in the novel. He was often portrayed as the hero of the story, and his qualities were extolled. The gentleman was seen as the ideal man, and his behavior was supposed to be emulated by all men. In many novels, the gentleman was contrasted with the villain, who was often portrayed as a man of low morals and character.
The Gentleman And Social Class
The idea of the gentleman was closely tied to social class in Victorian society. A gentleman was supposed to come from a respected family and have a certain level of wealth and education. He was expected to be a member of the upper class and to behave in a certain way. The Victorian novel often explored the differences between the upper and lower classes, and the gentleman was seen as a symbol of the upper class.
Examples Of The Gentleman In Victorian Novels
There are many examples of the gentleman in Victorian novels. One of the most famous is Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." Mr. Darcy is a wealthy and respected gentleman who is initially seen as proud and aloof. However, as the novel progresses, he reveals his true character and becomes a hero. Another example is Pip in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." Pip is a young man from a humble background who is educated and becomes a gentleman. He struggles with the responsibilities and expectations that come with his new status.
The Criticism Of The Idea Of The Gentleman
The idea of the gentleman was not without its critics in the Victorian era. Some people felt that it was an outdated and restrictive idea that placed too much emphasis on social class and wealth. Others felt that it was a hypocritical idea that allowed men to behave badly as long as they appeared respectable. There were also criticisms of the way that the idea of the gentleman was used to justify imperialism and colonialism.
The Legacy Of The Idea Of The Gentleman
The idea of the gentleman has left a lasting legacy in Western culture. The qualities that were associated with the gentleman, such as politeness and respectability, are still valued today. However, the idea of the gentleman has also been criticized for its exclusivity and the way that it reinforces social inequality. The legacy of the gentleman is a complex one, and it continues to be debated and explored in literature and other cultural forms.
Conclusion
The idea of the gentleman was a central concept in Victorian literature, and it reflected the values and beliefs of the era. The gentleman was seen as a symbol of respectability and social status, and his qualities were extolled in the novels of the period. However, the idea of the gentleman was not without its critics, who felt that it was an outdated and restrictive concept. The legacy of the gentleman is a complex one, and it continues to be debated and explored in literature and other cultural forms.