The scapegoat

Definition

A scapegoat is an individual or group that is unfairly blamed for problems or negative outcomes, often to divert attention or responsibility from the actual source. This concept is prevalent in various contexts, including art and literature, where it symbolizes the societal tendency to assign blame for complex issues, often leading to further marginalization of the scapegoated individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Victorian art, the scapegoat often represented those marginalized by society, reflecting broader themes of exclusion and social injustice.
2. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood utilized the scapegoat motif to challenge contemporary norms and provoke thought about societal roles and moral judgments.
3. Artworks featuring scapegoats often conveyed deep emotional resonance, emphasizing suffering and injustice in a way that encouraged viewers to reflect on their own beliefs.
4. The concept of the scapegoat was sometimes linked to religious narratives, where figures like Christ were depicted as victims of societal blame and betrayal.
5. By portraying individuals as scapegoats in their work, artists aimed to shed light on the complexities of human experience and critique societal failings.

Review Questions

• How did the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood use the concept of the scapegoat in their artworks to challenge societal norms?
  • The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood employed the concept of the scapegoat as a tool to critique Victorian society's moral rigidness. By depicting characters who were marginalized or unfairly blamed, they highlighted issues like social injustice and hypocrisy. These representations forced audiences to confront their own complicity in societal judgments and sparked discussions about the moral implications of scapegoating.
• In what ways does Victorian morality intersect with the portrayal of scapegoats in art during this period?
  • Victorian morality often emphasized strict social codes and values that marginalized those who deviated from accepted norms. Artists depicted scapegoats as victims of these moral expectations, illustrating how society's rigid standards could lead to blame and ostracism. This intersection reveals a critical lens through which artists examined moral hypocrisy, prompting viewers to reconsider their understanding of virtue and judgment.
• Evaluate how the motif of the scapegoat in Victorian art contributes to a broader social critique of the era's values and structures.
  • The motif of the scapegoat serves as a powerful commentary on Victorian values by exposing underlying tensions within society. Artists used this concept to address issues like gender inequality, class struggles, and moral hypocrisy. By elevating the voices and experiences of those cast as scapegoats, these artworks not only challenged contemporary attitudes but also encouraged a re-evaluation of societal responsibilities towards marginalized groups, creating a dialogue that resonated beyond their time.

Related terms

Victorian morality: The set of values and ethical standards prevalent in Victorian society, emphasizing propriety, respectability, and the importance of social order.

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood:

An art movement founded in 1848 by a group of English painters, poets, and critics who sought to reject the academic standards of their time and return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of pre-Renaissance art.

Social critique: An examination of societal structures and issues through art, literature, or discourse that highlights injustices, inequalities, and challenges to the status quo.