Hatred & civility
Book Description
In a thought-provoking exploration that bridges literary analysis with contemporary social understanding, Christopher Lane invites readers to reconsider how we view both historical ideals and modern conflicts. Rather than accepting the sanitized image of Victorian society as a beacon of moral virtue and proper behavior, Lane examines the rich complexity found within the era's actual literature and cultural expressions.
Through careful analysis of Victorian fiction, journalism, sermons, poetry, and theatrical works, this study reveals a startling contrast between popular assumptions and literary reality. Where we might expect to find examples of the self-sacrifice and earnest devotion typically associated with the period, Lane uncovers instead a vibrant cast of morally ambiguous characters: villains who challenge social norms, hypocrites who expose the gap between public virtue and private vice, and various other figures who embody the full spectrum of human nature.
This literary investigation offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the roots of contemporary social tensions and interpersonal conflicts. By examining how Victorian writers portrayed the darker aspects of human behavior alongside societal expectations, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the timeless struggles between civility and its opposite. Lane's work suggests that understanding our current challenges with hatred and incivility requires looking honestly at how previous generations grappled with similar tensions between idealized behavior and human reality.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 228 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Literature and society
- ✓ Explore English literature, history and criticism, 19th century
- ✓ Explore Social life and customs
- ✓ Explore England, social life and customs
- ✓ Understand psychological principles
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore English literature
