Legal Narratives in Victorian Fiction

The law holds up a mirror to society and reflects its ongoing preoccupations. This book explores how authors of the nineteenth century used the novel form to challenge and critique the legal operating model of the world in which their characters found themselves, examining the role of the law within society, its impact upon the general public, and the reciprocity between legal ideals and the society which manifests those ideals through thought and action. It is a useful text for students of nineteenth-century literature or the law.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The law serves as a reflective lens, mirroring the society and its ever-evolving concerns. In this comprehensive book, legal interpretation is established as a literary interpretation, contextualizing the opinions and sociological backdrop of literature within the framework of the law of its era. It delves into the inherent role of law in shaping the narrative of nineteenth-century literature, exploring various aspects such as the approach to jurisprudence, legal application, the treatment of the poor, criminological responses to moral panics, and the utilization of affirmative defenses to address the challenges faced by women within society.

Through meticulous examination, the book uncovers how authors of the period employed the novel form as a powerful tool to challenge and critique the prevailing legal operating model of the world in which their characters existed. It scrutinizes the manner in which authors leveraged the novel as a means to examine the nature of law's role within society, its impact on the broader public, and the reciprocal relationship between legal ideals and the society that manifests them through thought and action.

This book is an invaluable resource for students of nineteenth-century literature and law, offering a deep understanding of the interplay between law and literature in the era. It sheds light on the societal challenges and transformations of the nineteenth century, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between law, society, and the narratives that emerged during this transformative period.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032409467