Angel in the house

Definition

The term 'angel in the house' refers to a Victorian ideal that depicts women as self-sacrificing, nurturing figures whose primary role is to provide moral support and comfort to their families. This notion reinforced traditional gender roles, positioning women as passive and submissive beings dedicated to domestic duties, while men took on public life and work. The concept has been critiqued in early feminist essays and treatises, which argue for women's independence and equality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Angel in the House' originates from a poem by Coventry Patmore, published in 1854, which idealizes women's roles within the home.
2. The concept became a cultural touchstone during the Victorian Era, shaping societal expectations of women as devoted wives and mothers.
3. Critics of this ideal, such as Virginia Woolf, argued that it limited women's potential and stifled their individuality.
4. The 'angel' trope contributed to the perception of women as morally superior but also as incapable of engaging in public life or pursuing careers.
5. Early feminist essays sought to dismantle this stereotype, advocating for women's rights to education, work, and autonomy.

Review Questions

• How did the 'angel in the house' ideal shape societal expectations of women during the Victorian Era?
  • 'Angel in the house' shaped societal expectations by promoting the idea that women should be self-sacrificing and primarily focused on home and family. This view placed women in a subordinate position, limiting their roles to those of caregivers and moral guardians. As a result, women were discouraged from pursuing careers or participating in public life, reinforcing a rigid division of gender roles.
• Analyze how early feminist writers challenged the 'angel in the house' stereotype and what alternatives they proposed.
  • Early feminist writers challenged the 'angel in the house' stereotype by exposing its limitations on women's identities and aspirations. They proposed alternatives that emphasized women's rights to education, professional careers, and political participation. Through essays and treatises, these feminists argued for a more equitable society where women could engage fully in public life without being confined to domesticity.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the 'angel in the house' ideology on modern perceptions of gender roles and feminism.
  • The 'angel in the house' ideology has had a lasting impact on modern perceptions of gender roles by perpetuating stereotypes about femininity and domesticity. While significant progress has been made in feminist movements, remnants of this ideal can still be seen in societal expectations placed on women today. Evaluating its influence allows for a better understanding of ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality and highlights the importance of redefining womanhood beyond traditional confines.

Related terms

Victorian Era: The period of Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), characterized by strict social morals and the promotion of domesticity as a woman's virtue.

Separate Spheres: A social doctrine that divided public and private life into distinct domains, asserting that men belonged in the public sphere while women were confined to the domestic sphere.

Feminism: A movement advocating for women's rights and equality, challenging traditional gender roles and social norms associated with femininity.