Double Lives in Victorian Literature Essay -- Literary Analysis

The existence of a loathsomeness forked abounds in many literary works of the Victorian Era. These puritanic manifold are fitting to enterk the forbidden and repressed desires of the protagonist, and much represent the authors induce rebellion against inhibitions in a morally square-toed societal climate. The dark duplicate in these stories are able to research the socially unacceptable side of human nature, and it is through these dark doubles that many of the main characters (and through them, the reader), are able to vicariously explore and experience the illicit, forbidden, and often exciting underbelly of what was considered deviant behavior. The accepted modal(prenominal) behavior that inflexible Victorian social protocol demanded could be cut down aside by these dark doubles and the immoral desires of the human affection could be explored in the safety of ones sitting room.In Oscar Wildes play, The Importance of organism Ernest, we see a satirical prodding of the hypocrisy associated within the strict moral code of English genteel society. The plays protagonist, Jack, creates his own dark double, his supposed carefree, immoral, and decadent brother, Ernest. It is through his own creation of Ernest that Jack is able to lead his entertaining double liveness. Whileportraying himself as Ernest, we see Jack pursue all of the things that he is incapable of exploring in hisown stuffy Victorian world as Jack. While relieveing his presence in town to Algy, Ernest states, Oh, pleasure, pleasure What else should bring one anywhere? (690). Ernest goes on to explain to Algywhat occupies his time this way, When one is in town one amuses oneself. When one is in the country one amuses other p... ...clear through the literature of the time, that individualswere beginning to call into question the necessity, both morally and socially, of either living a double life or having to repress their desire to do so. It is through these dark doubles that many a uthors were able to explore and expose the hidden truths within their characters personalities, and maybe themselves. By giving their characters the masks of these dark doubles, they were able to tale the truth. whole caboodle CitedKipling, Rudyard. The Mark of the Beast. The Broadview Anthology of British Literature. Peterborough, Ont. Broadview, 2006. Print. Stevenson, Robert Louis. New York Simon & Brown, 2010. Print. Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Ernest. The Broadview Anthology of British Literature. Peterborough, Ont. Broadview, 2006. Print.