Literature: Madness in Nineteenth Century British Literature

The nineteenth century, often known as the progressive century or the century of compromise, sees enormous social changes relating to the condition of women and the insane, and we will examine the political and societal impact of these changes on attitudes, and how these attitudes reflect changing perspectives on sexuality, prostitution and religion. This will have particular relevance to our study of Jane Eyre, Great Expectations and The Turn of the Screw. Charlotte Bronte’s work has proved especially contentions in recent years, vis-a-vis changing views on both her presentation of madness and race.

In both Great Expectations and The Turn of the Screw we will investigate how psychological characterisation with regard to madness begins to develop in the second half of the nineteenth century, and how this relates furthermore to the evolution of psychology and portraits such as Oscar Wilde of Dorian Gray.

The course will inspire further reading into what is a subject of continuing relevance today. You will be encouraged to engage in analysis of extracts provided and to develop your own perspectives on the nineteenth century’s treatment of madness as both enlightened and at times hypocritical.

Come along and enjoy rediscovering familiar texts from new and provoking angles.