Vagrancy in the Victorian Age: Representing the Wandering Poor in Nineteenth-Century Literature and Culture

In Victorian culture, vagrants were a common sight, appearing in novels, newspapers, photographs, poems, and periodicals. This interdisciplinary study explores how assumptions about class, gender, race, and environment shaped distinct vagrant types and how these conceptions were repurposed in colonial contexts. It examines a wide range of canonical, ephemeral, and popular texts and visual forms to trace shifting fantasies and anxieties about mobility, poverty, and homelessness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the vibrant tapestry of Victorian culture, vagrants cast their shadows across a wide array of artistic and literary expressions. From novels and newspapers to photographs, poems, periodicals, oil paintings, and illustrations, these wandering souls etched their presence into the fabric of the era. Their diverse manifestations took shape in various corners of the world, from the gypsies and hawkers who traversed the countryside to the casual paupers and loafers who lingered in the bustling city streets. Meanwhile, vagabonds and beachcombers roamed the colonial frontiers, seeking solace and opportunity amidst the vast expanse of the unknown.

In this groundbreaking interdisciplinary study, scholars delve into the intricate taxonomy of nineteenth-century vagrancy, shedding light on how assumptions about class, gender, race, and environment shaped a multitude of distinct vagrant types. At the same time, the research pioneers a novel approach by demonstrating how rural and urban conceptions of vagrancy were repurposed in colonial contexts. The study explores the global circulation of representational strategies, which were employed to articulate shifting fantasies and anxieties surrounding mobility, poverty, and homelessness. These profound insights are traced through an extensive corpus of canonical, ephemeral, and popular texts, as well as a diverse range of visual forms.

The vagrants of Victorian culture, with their diverse appearances and itinerant lifestyles, became a rich source of fascination and exploration for artists and writers alike. They were depicted in various ways, capturing the essence of their struggles, resilience, and the complexities of their existence. Through their portrayals, artists sought to shed light on the societal issues of the time and challenge the prevailing norms and stereotypes.

Novels and newspapers, for instance, provided a platform for authors to explore the lives of vagrants in depth. From the gritty realism of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" to the romanticized portrayal of vagabonds in the works of Thomas Hardy, these narratives offered a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by these individuals. They depicted the struggles of poverty, social exclusion, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of urban life.

Photographs, too, played a significant role in capturing the essence of vagrancy. From the poignant images of homeless children in Victorian-era London to the candid shots of street performers and beggars in contemporary cities, these photographs served as a visual record of the human condition. They captured the raw emotions and experiences of vagrants, providing a glimpse into the lives of those often overlooked and marginalized.

Poems and periodicals also contributed to the rich tapestry of vagrant representations. Poets such as William Blake and Walt Whitman explored the themes of poverty, displacement, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. They used vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the struggles and resilience of vagrants, offering a glimpse into their inner world and the complexities of their existence.

Oil paintings and illustrations, in turn, provided a visual representation of the glamour and allure of vagrancy. Artists such as John Everett Millais and Edwin Landseer depicted vagrants as romanticized figures, often portrayed as outcasts or misunderstood souls. These paintings served to perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce the notion that vagrancy was a result of personal failings or societal flaws.

However, it is important to note that the representations of vagrants in Victorian culture were not without their complexities and contradictions. While some artists and writers sought to shed light on the plight of these individuals and advocate for their rights, others perpetuated harmful stereotypes and perpetuated social exclusion. The study of vagrancy in Victorian culture thus serves as a reminder of the power of art and literature to shape perceptions and influence societal attitudes.

In conclusion, the vagrants of Victorian culture were a ubiquitous presence in a wide range of artistic and literary expressions. Through their diverse manifestations and representations, they became a rich source of fascination and exploration for artists, writers, and scholars alike. This interdisciplinary study sheds light on the complex taxonomy of nineteenth-century vagrancy, highlighting how assumptions about class, gender, race, and environment shaped a multitude of distinct vagrant types. It also demonstrates the global circulation of representational strategies and the repurposing of rural and urban conceptions of vagrancy in colonial contexts. By examining the rich tapestry of artistic and literary expressions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the shifting fantasies and anxieties surrounding mobility, poverty, and homelessness in Victorian society.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316519851