Amelia Sedley: The Ideal Victorian Woman

Amelia Sedley is presented as the ideal Victorian woman which may be perceived differently to today’s values. Thackeray’s lengthy introduction to Amelia signifies her merit, deeming her worthy to be talked about. The direct contrast against the non-existent positive adjectives about Becky is prominent due to the endless list describing Amelia and how she has a “delightful sweetness” as well as Miss Pinkerton’s “happiness and honour” in presenting her. This positive portrayal from Miss Pinkerton emphasises Amelia as being the archetype of the nineteenth century woman. The reader learns that Amelia is well-versed in most subjects, is obedient and motherly – all of which were valued characteristics of women in the middle class Victorian society. Thackeray’s description of Amelia Sedley results in her being the ‘ideal’ Victorian …show more content…
Thackeray describes Becky as “small and slight” with “pale, sandy” hair as well as having “eyes habitually cast down” which were “large, odd and attractive” when she looked up. Through this Thackeray creates strong imagery of Becky being almost angel like and hypnotic, ironically highlighting her ability to attract even the godliest such as Reverend Mr. Crisp and Reverend Mr. Flowerdew. This outright sexual promiscuity would have alarmed the Victorian readers who would consider her physicality to be suggestive and vulgar. Moreover, the imagery of Becky being an angel indicates she is innocent which is ironic and juxtaposed against her cunning personality which the readers are aware of. This angelic appearance can be interpreted as a religious imagery, returning back to the biblical idea of Eve tempting Adam to join her which is parallel to Becky being able to attract the attention of the Reverends. The Victorian era would have considered this immoral and ungodly, hence why they would not believe her to be a strong