Forbidden knowledge

Definition

Forbidden knowledge refers to information that is restricted, dangerous, or considered taboo, often leading to negative consequences for those who seek it. In literature, especially in the Gothic and Victorian eras, this concept is frequently explored through characters who pursue secrets that challenge societal norms or ethical boundaries, reflecting the tension between enlightenment and danger.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Forbidden knowledge often manifests as a pursuit of scientific or arcane truths that society deems unacceptable, leading to tragic consequences for characters in literature.
2. In Gothic literature, the quest for forbidden knowledge frequently involves the exploration of hidden or repressed histories, revealing dark family secrets or supernatural events.
3. Characters such as Victor Frankenstein in 'Frankenstein' embody the theme of forbidden knowledge as they transgress ethical boundaries in their quest for power and understanding.
4. The fear of forbidden knowledge often reflects societal anxieties about progress, technology, and the potential dangers of unchecked ambition during the Victorian era.
5. Many Victorian novels present a moral dilemma regarding the pursuit of forbidden knowledge, raising questions about responsibility and the implications of human curiosity.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of forbidden knowledge impact character development in Gothic literature?
  • Forbidden knowledge is crucial for character development in Gothic literature as it often drives protagonists to make choices that lead to their downfall. Characters who pursue such knowledge usually exhibit traits of hubris, believing they can control or harness information that is inherently dangerous. This journey highlights their internal struggles and conflicts with societal norms while ultimately leading to a deeper exploration of their psyche and moral dilemmas.
• Discuss how forbidden knowledge serves as a critique of societal values in Victorian literature.
  • In Victorian literature, forbidden knowledge critiques societal values by exposing the tension between enlightenment ideals and moral boundaries. As characters seek out hidden truths or scientific advancements that defy convention, authors reveal the consequences of such pursuits on both individual lives and society at large. This critique often underscores fears surrounding progress, questioning whether certain knowledge should remain undiscovered due to its potential to disrupt social order and ethics.
• Evaluate how forbidden knowledge relates to broader themes of morality and ethics in 18th and 19th-century literature.
  • Forbidden knowledge intricately ties into broader themes of morality and ethics in 18th and 19th-century literature by challenging characters to confront the repercussions of their actions. Works from this period often depict the fine line between ambition and recklessness as characters grapple with the moral implications of seeking knowledge deemed dangerous. The resulting conflicts not only illuminate personal dilemmas but also reflect societal concerns about human curiosity and its potential to yield both enlightenment and destruction.

Related terms

Gothic literature: A genre characterized by elements of horror, the supernatural, and dark romanticism, often exploring themes of isolation, madness, and the uncanny.

Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence that often leads to a character's downfall, especially in the context of defying moral or natural laws.

Romanticism: An artistic movement that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.