Within Victorian England, there existed a particular perspective surrounding the image of women, and ultimately, this molded the expectation of their roles within society. In Ian Wards book, Sex, Crime, and Literature in Victorian England, the author addresses four main areas of concern surrounding England. Within the text, Ward incorporates a significant amount of literature from the time period in order to better reflect the conditions of the country, and its people. Of these four areas of concern, the last dealt with the problem of prostitution. In the discussion of prostitution, Ward dives into the topic by instilling the reader with the use of literature, historical lawful documents, and the perspective of the people. Moreover, the complex
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As noted before, prostitution sparked immense interest of the people of England, and driven many to become concerned. However, those who found the opportunity to possibly speak for the defense of the woman committing the act, often did so in poetry and literature. Significantly, the author explains that “there was nothing particularly unusual in finding a prostitute walking the pages of a Victorian novel” (p. 4022). However, it was unusual in the way that some of the authors decided to portray the stories of the woman, and how she shall be received by the audience. One of these authors happens to be Charles Dickens. As it appears through Dickens writings and lifestyle, it would be appropriate to understand him as being a sympathizer for those behind the crime. Not only could this be shown through his support through Urania Cottage, but also through the works of his character “Nancy” in Oliver Twist. Dickens, among many others, attempted to draw a form of empathy for the everyday prostitute, and did so through the characters story. Often, authors took this advantage to paper, and in hope, attempted to raise awareness to the unequal treatments upon women compared to men. It wasn’t that these authors found themselves in favor of prostitution, but instead found redemption, and room for understanding for those who committed the crime. Through Dickens
As noted before, prostitution sparked immense interest of the people of England, and driven many to become concerned. However, those who found the opportunity to possibly speak for the defense of the woman committing the act, often did so in poetry and literature. Significantly, the author explains that “there was nothing particularly unusual in finding a prostitute walking the pages of a Victorian novel” (p. 4022). However, it was unusual in the way that some of the authors decided to portray the stories of the woman, and how she shall be received by the audience. One of these authors happens to be Charles Dickens. As it appears through Dickens writings and lifestyle, it would be appropriate to understand him as being a sympathizer for those behind the crime. Not only could this be shown through his support through Urania Cottage, but also through the works of his character “Nancy” in Oliver Twist. Dickens, among many others, attempted to draw a form of empathy for the everyday prostitute, and did so through the characters story. Often, authors took this advantage to paper, and in hope, attempted to raise awareness to the unequal treatments upon women compared to men. It wasn’t that these authors found themselves in favor of prostitution, but instead found redemption, and room for understanding for those who committed the crime. Through Dickens