Manliness in Late Victorian Novels. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker's "Dracula"

Bachelor Thesis , 2016 , 42 Pages , Grade: 3,0

English Language and Literature Studies - Literature

From time immemorial gallant ideals, bravery and fearlessness have been universal characteristics of manliness. In regards to manly ideals of the Victorian Era it is hard to fully grasp all of the ideals that spread through the 19th century. Many different theories and new findings shaped those characteristics of Victorian manliness. Therefore, the ideals of manliness are very divergent. The Victorian man was many things, brave, physically strong, independent and moral. One way to find out more about manly ideals is by examining resources from this time, for example literature. For that reason, this study is concerned with the ideals of manliness during the Victorian Era and its depiction in Late Victorian literature, to be precise, in The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Theories on Manliness in the Victorian Era
  • Darwinism
  • Athleticism
    • Muscular Christianity
  • Manly Love
  • The Threat of the New Woman
• Analysis
  • The Pleasure-Seekers
  • The Muscular Christians
  • Homoeroticism
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study aims to explore the ideals of manliness during the Victorian Era and its depiction in Late Victorian literature, specifically in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker's "Dracula".

• The evolving ideals of manliness throughout the Victorian Era
• The influence of Darwinism, athleticism, and Muscular Christianity on Victorian conceptions of manliness
• The portrayal of homoeroticism and its implications for Victorian masculinity
• The impact of the "New Woman" on traditional notions of manliness
• The manifestation of these themes in the characters and narratives of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "Dracula"

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter introduces the concept of manliness in the Victorian Era, highlighting its diverse and evolving nature. It delves into various theories and trends that shaped Victorian ideals of manliness, including Darwinism, athleticism, Muscular Christianity, and the emergence of the "New Woman".

Chapter three analyzes the portrayal of manliness in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "Dracula", examining how the characters embody different aspects of Victorian ideals. This includes an exploration of the "Pleasure-Seekers" Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton, as well as the "Muscular Christians" represented by the "Crew of Light" in "Dracula". The chapter also delves into the theme of homoeroticism, focusing on the relationships between Dorian Gray and Lord Henry Wotton, and the homosocial implications in "Dracula".

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The study focuses on the historical and literary contexts of manliness in the Victorian Era, examining themes such as Darwinism, athleticism, Muscular Christianity, homoeroticism, the "New Woman", and the impact of these themes on the characters and narratives of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "Dracula".

• College: University of Bonn (Anglistik)
• Grade: 3,0
• Author: Lisa Schreinemacher (Author)
• Publication Year: 2016
• Pages: 42
• Catalog Number: V496134
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668992641
• ISBN (Book): 9783668992658
• Language: English
• Tags: Victorian, novels, Dorian Gray, Oscar, Wilde, Bram, Stoker, Dracula, Masculinity, manliness, Era, christianity