Social Restriction and Literary Differences: A Comparative Analysis of the Victorian Era in France and England

During the Victorian Era, England and France both experienced significant social and literary developments, though their restrictive tendencies and social norms differed markedly. This essay aims to explore the primary differences in social restriction and literature during this period, while also drawing a parallel to the insights provided by historian Barbara Tuchman in her work "The Proud Tower."

Social Restriction in the Victorian Era

The Victorian Age in England is often associated with a rigid social structure and repressive societal norms, particularly in matters of morality, social status, and sexuality. The concept of "drapetomania," a term used by American physician Samuel Cartwright to describe a disorder in enslaved individuals causing rebellion against white masters, exemplifies the extreme views held in Southern American slave states during the same period. However, it is wise to focus on the bulk of English society, where social behavior was highly regulated. For instance, the practice of "social gazing" or vigilance towards appropriate behavior was ubiquitous, and any deviation could lead to social ostracism. Victorian England placed immense value on propriety in public and private spheres, as highlighted by novels such as Middlemarch by George Eliot, which delved into the societal mores and the struggles of upholding them.

Similarly, France during the Victorian Era (although not as widely recognized as England's) also experienced its own set of restrictive social norms. The Second French Empire, which lasted from 1852 to 1870, under Napoleon III, saw an emphasis on social order and cultural refinement. However, the French society, especially among the nobility, was known for its excess and luxury, contrasting with the conservative social attitudes in England. This period in France is marked by the works of figures like Gustave Flaubert, whose realistic depictions of social life in Salammb? challenged societal norms while still adhering to the constraints of literary sensibilities of the time.

Barbara Tuchman in her seminal work "The Proud Tower" discusses the role of sport in the decorations of Palais de Chaillot, which was a stilted and exclusive affair, attended by a select few. This anecdote underscores the strict social hierarchies and the limited participation of the general populace, where even leisure activities were characterized by exclusivity.

Literary Differences During the Victorian Era

The clearest distinction between English and French literature during the Victorian Era lies in their thematic and stylistic approaches. English literature of the period often focused on moral and social issues, often reflecting the repressive nature of Victorian society. Novels such as Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and Bleak House by Charles Dickens provided scathing critiques of the class system and industrialization, respectively. Moreover, the gothic traditions in English literature, such as the works of Emily Bront? and even Bram Stoker, highlighted the darker aspects of human nature and societal ills, often set against the backdrop of strict social norms and strictures. The emphasis on character analysis and plot development in English novels reflects the interest in exploring the complexities of human behavior within restrictive social frameworks.

French literature, on the other hand, while also portraying the social structures of the period, often took a more avant-garde approach. Flaubert's use of realism and his meticulous attention to detail in describing the minutiae of daily life set him apart from the more didactic British authors. His famous novel Madame Bovary, despite its realistic portrayal of bourgeois life in France, still faced censorship due to its frank depiction of sexuality and societal hypocrisy. Other French authors like émile Zola delved into the effects of industrial society, and Honoré de Balzac's Comédie humaine presented a panoramic view of French society, reflecting its complexities and contradictions with a sense of disillusionment and critique.

Furthermore, the stylistic differences between the two literatures are also significant. English literature favored clarity, storytelling, and character development, often with a sense of moral purpose. In contrast, the French literature of the time often employed more complex and varied narrative techniques, such as stream of consciousness and multiple viewpoints, which allowed for a more nuanced exploration of themes and characters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both England and France experienced significant social and literary transformations during the Victorian Era, the extent and nature of restrictions differed significantly. England's rigidity and social control were more overt, manifesting in strict social norms and literature that often criticized these restrictions. France, by comparison, maintained a facade of cultural refinement, but also produced works that challenged societal conventions, albeit within the constraints of literary censorship and cultural expectations.

As demonstrated by the anecdote from "The Proud Tower," the Victorian Era's social restrictions extended to all aspects of life, including leisure and cultural events. Through the works of authors like Tuchman, Flaubert, and their contemporaries, we gain insight into the intricate and often conflict-ridden nature of the Victorian society in both countries.