Character, Writing, and Reputation in Victorian Law and Literature

Cathrine O. Frank explores how literary characterisation and legal developments shaped the jurisprudential theory of character, examining how key categories and representational strategies defined communities and mediated relations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Why did Hawthorne and Eliot grant their fallen women an anachronistic right to silence that could only worsen their punishment?

In the novels of Nathaniel Hawthorne and George Eliot, the fallen women are often depicted as having an anachronistic right to silence that could only worsen their punishment. This right to silence is often seen as a means of protecting their reputations and preserving their social standing, even at the expense of their own well-being.

One of the primary reasons why Hawthorne and Eliot grant their fallen women this right to silence is because they believe that women are inherently weaker and more vulnerable than men. They view silence as a way for women to protect themselves from the harsh judgment and condemnation of society, which often seeks to punish and shame them for their transgressions.

However, this right to silence is also seen as a means of perpetuating the cycle of abuse and victimization. By granting women the ability to remain silent, Hawthorne and Eliot are essentially allowing their characters to remain trapped in abusive relationships without any means of escape. This can lead to further harm and suffering for the women involved, as they are unable to seek help or support from others.

Moreover, the right to silence can also be seen as a way of denying women their agency and autonomy. By silencing women, Hawthorne and Eliot are essentially reducing them to passive objects of male desire and control. This can be particularly harmful in cases where women are victims of sexual assault or abuse, as they are unable to speak out against their abusers or seek legal recourse.

Despite these criticisms, Hawthorne and Eliot's portrayal of fallen women with an anachronistic right to silence remains a complex and nuanced issue. While their portrayal may be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and attitudes towards women, it is also important to recognize that their novels were written in a different time and cultural context.

In conclusion, Hawthorne and Eliot grant their fallen women an anachronistic right to silence that could only worsen their punishment due to their belief that women are inherently weaker and more vulnerable than men. This right to silence is seen as a means of protecting their reputations and preserving their social standing, but it can also perpetuate the cycle of abuse and victimization. While their portrayal may be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes, it is important to recognize that their novels were written in a different time and cultural context.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 165 x 243 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474485708