The Stereotypes of Victorians: Why They Are Often Portrayed as Greed and Cruel in Literature and Media

The term “Gilded Age” reflects the perception during the late 19th and early 20th centuries wherein society was adorned with lavish opulence on the surface, while beneath lay anger, strife, and immorality. This essay delves into the portrayal of Victorians in novels, plays, and films, particularly focusing on why they are often portrayed as being greed and cruel. This examination reveals the social, economic, and cultural context of the time and how these factors have influenced the lens through which we view Victorian characters in literature and media.

Introduction to the Gilded Age

The term “Gilded Age” was first coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner in their 1873 novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today. It describes a period marked by vast inequality, rapid industrialization, and the emergence of a wealthy elite. During this time, the rich became incredibly wealthy at an unprecedented pace, often acquiring their fortunes through questionable means and engaging in ostentatious displays of wealth.

Portrayal of Greed and Cruelty in Victorian Literature

One of the most significant eras in literature where this portrayal of greed and cruelty is prevalent is the Victorian era. Many of the key novels and plays from this period were written in response to the social and economic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Authors, such as Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde, used their works to critique and satirize the excesses of the wealthy, revealing the darker side of modern capitalism and societal evolution.

Charles Dickens’s novel “Bleak House” is a prime example. The novel, set in the mid-1800s, portrays the corrupt legal system and the miserly socialite Harold Skimpole, who is a quintessential representation of greed and cruelty. Meanwhile, other writers like Oscar Wilde highlighted the flip side of these characters in novels such as “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and his work “The Ballad of Reading Gaol,” where even the so-called aristocrats drip with corruption and sin.

The Theatre and Film Adaptations

The portrayal of Victorian-era greed and cruelty has also been carried over to theater and film. Many plays and films continue to draw parallels between the injustices and personal vices of the wealthy during the Gilded Age and contemporary society. For example, Ben Mantle’s play “Drunken Temple” examines the moral and ethical decay among the upper class, while films like the 2015 Swedish-Austrian film “The Deep Blue Sea”, starring Emily Blunt, depict the disillusionment and brutality of the wealthy characters.

Historical Context: Economic and Social Factors

The portrayal of the wealthy as being greedy and cruel during the Victorian era stems from the economic and social upheaval of the Gilded Age. Rapid industrialization and economic growth led to stark contrasts, with incredibly rich tycoons and struggling workers. Victorians witnessed the rise of monopolies, the exploitation of workers, and the emergence of a gap between the rich and the poor. Such extreme inequalities often led to revulsion and a desire to expose these excesses.

Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution brought about moral and ethical dilemmas that were often reflected in literature and media. The social and environmental costs of industrial progress, including child labor, working conditions, and pollution, were heavily criticized. Thus, the portrayal of the rich as cruel and greedy served as a form of social criticism and moral indignation.

Reflections of Gilded Age Values in Modern Times

Today, the portrayal of the Victorian-era wealthy as cruel and greedy is still prevalent in literature and media. It resonates with contemporary concerns about wealth inequality, capitalism, and social justice. For example, modern novels and films such as “Frost” by Christopher Nolan and films like “The Great Gatsby”, directed by Baz Luhrmann, continue to explore the themes of greed, corruption, and the hollow pursuit of wealth among the elite.

Moreover, the hyperbole in these portrayals sometimes makes these works closer to social commentary than pure entertainment. By exposing the hypocrisy and immorality of the wealthy, these works serve as a critical analysis of society and a reminder of the enduring relevance of the Gilded Age themes.

Conclusion

The depiction of Victorians as greedy and cruel is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context of the Gilded Age, a period marked by significant social and economic changes. Through literature, plays, and films, these representations continue to reflect on wealth inequality, moral decay, and the contradictions of modern capitalism. These portrayals not only offer a lens through which we can understand the past but also illuminate contemporary concerns about the wealthy elite and the moral implications of their actions.