The angel in the house refers to a 19th-century ideal of womanhood that emphasized women's roles as devoted wives and nurturing mothers, embodying self-sacrifice, purity, and domesticity. This concept became a defining feature of Victorian values, illustrating societal expectations for women to create a moral and supportive home environment while being subordinate to their husbands.
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The term originated from Coventry Patmore's poem 'The Angel in the House,' which idealized women's selflessness and domesticity.
This ideal reinforced the notion that women's primary purpose was to serve their families and maintain a peaceful home life.
The angel in the house was often portrayed as a contrast to the public sphere, where men engaged in work and politics.
Women who did not conform to this ideal faced societal criticism and were often labeled as unfeminine or immoral.
The concept began to be challenged in the late 19th century by movements advocating for women's rights and greater personal freedom.
Review Questions
How did the angel in the house concept shape women's roles in Victorian society?
The angel in the house concept shaped women's roles by promoting an ideal of femininity centered on selflessness, nurturing, and domestic duties. Women were expected to be devoted wives and mothers, creating a moral home environment while being subservient to their husbands. This expectation restricted women's opportunities outside the home and reinforced traditional gender roles within Victorian society.
Discuss the impact of the angel in the house ideal on the social norms of the Victorian era.
The impact of the angel in the house ideal on social norms was profound, as it established rigid expectations for women's behavior and roles. This notion fostered an environment where women were primarily valued for their domestic contributions, thus limiting their participation in public life, education, and professional careers. Additionally, it contributed to the widespread belief that any deviation from this ideal was unacceptable, stifling individuality and personal aspirations for many women.
Evaluate how the emergence of the New Woman movement challenged the traditional views encapsulated by the angel in the house ideal.
The emergence of the New Woman movement significantly challenged traditional views embodied by the angel in the house ideal by advocating for women's independence, education, and participation in public life. As women began to assert their rights to work, vote, and engage in social issues, they rejected the notion that their value was solely tied to domesticity. This shift not only questioned established gender roles but also sparked broader conversations about equality and women's liberation, ultimately paving the way for future feminist movements.
Related terms
Victorian Ideal: The set of cultural norms during the Victorian era that promoted modesty, morality, and a strict division of gender roles.
Domestic Sphere: The private domain of home and family where women were expected to excel, focusing on household management and child-rearing.
New Woman: A feminist ideal emerging in the late 19th century that challenged traditional gender roles and sought independence and equality for women.