Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best describes Coventry Patmore's portrayal of women in 'The Angel in the House'?
Which of the following best describes Coventry Patmore's portrayal of women in 'The Angel in the House'?
- Reflective of women's independence and societal power.
- Critical of societal expectations and patriarchal judgements.
- Embodiment of the Victorian feminine ideal: domesticated and devoted to family. (correct)
- Complex individuals with diverse desires and ambitions.
What, according to Virginia Woolf, is a primary limitation of the 'Angel in the House' ideal?
What, according to Virginia Woolf, is a primary limitation of the 'Angel in the House' ideal?
- It encourages women to pursue professional careers and independent lives.
- It limits women's potential and individuality within restrictive societal expectations. (correct)
- It allows women to freely express themselves.
- It accurately reflects the diversity of women's experiences.
How did Virginia Woolf encourage women to challenge the ideal presented in 'The Angel in the House'?
How did Virginia Woolf encourage women to challenge the ideal presented in 'The Angel in the House'?
- By accepting the limitations of their roles in domesticity.
- By embracing the qualities of self-sacrifice and subservience.
- By using anger as a 'mode of resistance' and embarking on a journey towards successful careers. (correct)
- By ignoring the pressure to conform to any standards.
How does Oscar Wilde's portrayal of women typically differ from Coventry Patmore's?
How does Oscar Wilde's portrayal of women typically differ from Coventry Patmore's?
In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', how is the objectification of women portrayed?
In 'The Picture of Dorian Gray', how is the objectification of women portrayed?
What does the text imply about societal expectations of women during the Victorian era?
What does the text imply about societal expectations of women during the Victorian era?
Which of the following best describes the 'social pressures' associated with the 'angel' ideal?
Which of the following best describes the 'social pressures' associated with the 'angel' ideal?
What is one way women were encouraged to conform to the image of domesticity?
What is one way women were encouraged to conform to the image of domesticity?
Basil Hallward expresses concern about the influence of women on Dorian Gray, seen as...
Basil Hallward expresses concern about the influence of women on Dorian Gray, seen as...
What aspect of Wilde's work delves into emotional complexity, as compared to Patmore's more sophisticated, one is to epitomise ‘The Angel’ as the body of love and sacrifice.
What aspect of Wilde's work delves into emotional complexity, as compared to Patmore's more sophisticated, one is to epitomise ‘The Angel’ as the body of love and sacrifice.
Flashcards
The Angels In The House main message
The Angels In The House main message
A poem by Coventry Patmore emphasizing an 'angel' as the Victorian feminine ideal: Victorian women should be purely domesticated and devoted to their husband and family.
The ideal wife, in 'The Angel in the House'
The ideal wife, in 'The Angel in the House'
Coventry Patmore idealizes his wife, Emily, and her qualities of being dutiful, subservient and self-sacrificing.
Who opposed 'Angel in the House'?
Who opposed 'Angel in the House'?
Virginia Woolf critiques the social constraints of women, especially in their professional lives.
Limitations of 'Angel' poem symbolism
Limitations of 'Angel' poem symbolism
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Femininity in 'Picture of Dorian Gray'
Femininity in 'Picture of Dorian Gray'
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Wilde's support?
Wilde's support?
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Study Notes
- Coventry Patmore's poem embodies the Victorian feminine ideal, portraying women as purely domesticated and devoted to family.
Why The Ideal Exists
- Patmore idealizes his wife, Emily, as a pattern of aspiration for women.
- Qualities like dutifulness, subservience, and self-sacrifice reflect the "perfect woman" portrait.
- Societal ideals impose identity on women, hindering independence and maintaining subordinate roles.
- Women were encouraged to prioritize domestic duties and family over personal passions.
- The social pressures of being an "angel" restricted individuality and personal growth.
Opposition to the Ideal
- Virginia Woolf critiqued Patmore's work in 1931, highlighting social limitations on women, especially in professional lives.
- Woolf saw that oppression left women with no desire for themselves.
- Woolf encouraged women to use anger as resistance against the acceptance of "The Angel."
- Woolf implored readers to challenge the limiting ideal of "The Angel Of The House" and pursue successful careers.
Limitations of the Poem
- Woolf critiqued the symbol of "Angel" as encapsulating the male conception of femininity and beauty.
- Woolf aimed to rid women of stereotypical expectations.
- The "angel" in literature caused conflict with the women's desires.
- Woolf critiqued the impact of the ideal on women's lives, advocating against future subjugation.
Femininity in "The Picture of Dorian Gray"
- The novel's opening presents Basil Hallward admiring Dorian's beauty and expressing concern about women's influence.
- Lord Henry dismissively discusses his marriage, objectifying women as luxury.
- Basil despises Lord Henry's lack of genuine emotional connection.
- Lord Henry's character grapples with societal expectations influencing Dorian.
Wilde's View vs. Patmore's
- Wilde and Patmore's works reflect Victorian values.
- Wilde is more critical of social norms, acknowledging pressure on women.
- Patmore praises assumptions of an ideal woman.
- Wilde critiques limited roles, portrays women as complex individuals with desires.
- Patmore emphasizes selfless, devoted qualities, paralleling aristocratic patriarchal expectations.
- Wilde critiques the limitations of the ideal woman, differing from male conceptions, leading to criticism.
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