Angel in the House

Definition

The term 'Angel in the House' refers to a 19th-century ideal of femininity that characterized women as self-sacrificing, nurturing, and devoted to their families, promoting the notion that a woman’s primary role is to be a dutiful wife and mother. This concept reinforced traditional gender roles during the Victorian era and shaped societal expectations of women, often limiting their opportunities for independence and self-actualization. It also served as a framework against which emerging feminist ideas were challenged, particularly in literature that explored women's struggles for identity and autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Angel in the House' was popularized by Coventry Patmore's poem of the same name, which depicted women as virtuous figures who derive fulfillment from serving their husbands and families.
2. The term symbolizes the constraints placed on women in Victorian society, as it promoted the idea that true womanhood was synonymous with self-denial and submission to male authority.
3. Critics of this ideal argue that it stifled women's aspirations and limited their potential by promoting a singular narrative of femininity focused on domesticity.
4. Literature from this period often featured characters who either embodied or rebelled against the 'Angel in the House,' reflecting the tensions between societal expectations and personal desires.
5. The concept has been revisited by contemporary feminists who examine how such historical ideals continue to influence modern gender roles and expectations.

Review Questions

• How does the 'Angel in the House' concept illustrate the expected roles of women in Victorian society?
  • 'Angel in the House' illustrates the expected roles of women in Victorian society by portraying them as inherently nurturing and self-sacrificing. Women were primarily seen as caretakers whose identities were tied to their husbands and children. This ideal promoted a narrow view of femininity that discouraged women from pursuing personal ambitions or independence outside of domestic responsibilities.
• In what ways do Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights challenge or reinforce the 'Angel in the House' ideal?
  • Both Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights challenge the 'Angel in the House' ideal through their protagonists who resist traditional gender roles. Jane Eyre asserts her independence and moral agency, refusing to conform to expectations of passivity and obedience. Conversely, Catherine Earnshaw embodies elements of rebellion but ultimately suffers due to her adherence to societal norms, highlighting the constraints of such ideals. These narratives reveal the complexities surrounding female identity during a time when conformity was expected.
• Evaluate how the 'Angel in the House' ideal has influenced modern perceptions of femininity and gender roles.
  • The 'Angel in the House' ideal has significantly influenced modern perceptions of femininity by creating enduring stereotypes about women's roles as caregivers and homemakers. This historical framework can still be seen today in societal expectations that promote selflessness in women while limiting their ambitions. Feminist critiques have sought to dismantle these outdated ideals, advocating for a broader understanding of femininity that embraces diversity and autonomy. As discussions around gender roles evolve, recognizing these historical influences becomes crucial in shaping more equitable societal norms.

Related terms

Victorian Domesticity: A cultural norm in the Victorian era that emphasized the importance of home and family, often relegating women to the private sphere and defining their worth by their roles within the household.

Feminine Ideals: Culturally defined attributes and behaviors considered appropriate for women, often emphasizing qualities such as purity, submissiveness, and domesticity.

New Woman: A feminist ideal emerging in the late 19th century that advocated for women's independence, education, and participation in public life, challenging traditional roles like the 'Angel in the House.'