Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
Second Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Wallace, Miriam
Area of Concentration
English
Abstract
In my thesis, I explore how British imperialism is presented in Victorian children’s literature. I specifically examine the portrayals of race and gender and how the presentations of these ideas have been impacted by the imperialism in the period. The novels I explore in this thesis are: The Water-Babies: Fairy Tale for a Land-Baby (1863) by Charles Kingsley, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There (1872) by Lewis Carroll, and Treasure Island (1882) by Robert Louis Stevenson. Each of these pieces have their own perspective on imperialism and the resulting societal implications caused by empire building. The Water-Babies is specifically interested in the relationship between race and Christian purity. Meanwhile, the Alice novels are interested in exploring Victorian gender roles. Finally, Treasure Island focuses on attracting Victorian boys to working for the Empire. Ultimately, my analysis of these novels leads me to the conclusion that there is indeed imperialism working within these novels. I also found that the Victorian period lacks the understanding of an adolescent period for children. I was also shocked to see parallels between Victorian England and twenty-first century America with similar struggles with racial and gender prejudice.
Recommended Citation
Olsen, Sarah, "“CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER”: IMPERIALISM IN VICTORIAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE" (2018). Theses & ETDs. 5575.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5575