Social Class Flashcards
(9 cards)
How does Rochester’s assertion of superiority based on age and experience reflect broader Victorian societal power dynamics?
Answer: Rochester’s attitude embodies the patriarchal norms of Victorian society, where men, particularly those of higher social standing and greater worldly exposure, often assumed authority over women and those deemed socially inferior. His justification reinforces the idea that privilege and experience automatically confer dominance, regardless of individual merit
What does the ambiguous social position of the governess reveal about the rigid class structure of Victorian England?
The governess’s liminal status—neither family nor servant—highlights the inflexibility of the Victorian class system. It demonstrates the difficulty in navigating social boundaries and the isolation experienced by those who did not fit neatly into established categories. This ambiguity underscores the societal obsession with hierarchy and the discomfort with those who blurred class lines.
How do the limited professional options for “ladies” in Victorian society underscore the constraints imposed by both class and gender?
The restricted choices for women of a certain social standing—primarily teaching or governessing—illustrate the intertwined limitations of class and gender. Societal expectations confined women to roles deemed respectable, regardless of their individual capabilities or desires, thereby limiting their autonomy and economic independence based on both their sex and their perceived social class.
In what ways does the character of Blanche Ingram serve to illuminate the values and expectations of the upper class in Victorian society?
Blanche’s beauty, sophistication, accomplishments (in music and arts), and adherence to traditional feminine roles embody the ideals prized within the Victorian aristocracy. Her character highlights the emphasis on outward appearances, social graces, and conformity to gender norms as markers of status and desirability within the upper class.
What do the Ingram family’s derogatory attitudes towards governesses reveal about the class prejudices prevalent in Victorian England?
The Ingrams’ open disdain and use of terms like “inferior” and “awkward” expose the deep-seated class prejudices of the Victorian era. Their treatment of governesses as socially beneath them underscores the rigid social hierarchy and the condescending attitudes held by the upper classes towards those in service, even those with education and refinement.
How does the portrayal of Bertha Mason as the “Other” reflect anxieties and prejudices within Victorian society?
Bertha’s categorization as the “Other” due to her Creole heritage and perceived madness highlights Victorian society’s fear and marginalization of those deemed different. Her otherness encompasses racial and psychological elements, reflecting the era’s anxieties about race, colonial subjects, and deviations from accepted norms of femininity and sanity.
What might Jane’s potential identification with Bertha as another form of “outsider” suggest about Jane’s own social standing and sense of belonging?
The idea that Jane could see Bertha as an alter ego suggests Jane’s own feelings of social alienation. Despite her education and moral integrity, her position as a governess and her lack of familial connections place her outside the conventional social circles, creating a sense of shared marginalization with someone as drastically “othered” as Bertha.
How does Jane’s experience on the moors in Chapter 28 underscore the significance of social class for a woman’s safety and security in Victorian England?
Jane’s utter destitution and vulnerability on the moors emphasize the precarious position of women without social standing or financial resources in Victorian society. Her lack of property, family, or male protection leaves her entirely dependent and exposed, highlighting how deeply social class determined an individual’s safety and access to basic necessities.
What quote from Chapter 17 shows: Blanche Ingram’s embodiment of aristocratic pride and superficiality through her performance at the piano.
“Miss Ingram, who had now seated herself with proud grace at the piano, spreading out her snowy robes in queenly amplitude, commenced a brilliant prelude.”
Analysis: The description uses regal imagery (“proud grace,” “queenly amplitude”) and emphasizes superficial appearance (“snowy robes”). The “brilliant prelude” suggests a dramatic performance intended for display, highlighting the aristocratic value placed on outward show and social performance rather than genuine depth or feeling. This contrasts with Jane’s more reserved and introspective nature.
