Fallen woman

Definition

The term 'fallen woman' refers to a woman who has lost her purity or virtue, often due to sexual transgressions such as adultery or promiscuity. In the context of literature, especially the Gothic novel, this archetype often serves to explore themes of morality, societal judgment, and redemption. The fallen woman embodies the tension between societal expectations and individual desires, leading to dramatic conflicts that resonate throughout Gothic narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fallen women in Gothic novels are often depicted as victims of societal norms and personal choices, resulting in their moral downfall.
2. These characters typically face severe consequences for their transgressions, including social ostracism or even death, reflecting the harsh realities of Victorian society.
3. The figure of the fallen woman can serve as a critique of patriarchal structures, highlighting how women are often punished more harshly than men for similar actions.
4. Religious symbolism plays a significant role in narratives involving fallen women, with themes of sin, punishment, and the possibility of redemption being central to their stories.
5. In many Gothic works, the fallen woman ultimately seeks redemption through suffering or sacrifice, illustrating complex notions of morality and virtue.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the fallen woman challenge societal norms in Gothic literature?
  • The concept of the fallen woman challenges societal norms by presenting a character who defies traditional expectations of female purity and virtue. This defiance often leads to her social downfall, but it also raises questions about the fairness of societal judgments. Through the lens of Gothic literature, the fallen woman's struggles illustrate the conflict between individual desires and oppressive societal standards, making her a powerful symbol of resistance against patriarchal constraints.
• Discuss how religious symbolism is used to represent fallen women in Gothic novels.
  • Religious symbolism is prominently featured in Gothic novels concerning fallen women, often portraying them as figures caught in a moral struggle between sin and redemption. Themes such as guilt, punishment, and divine judgment are interwoven into their narratives. The fallen woman's journey may include moments of profound suffering that reflect her quest for forgiveness and redemption, revealing deeper commentary on human morality and the complexities of faith in a judgmental society.
• Evaluate the impact of the fallen woman archetype on contemporary views of female sexuality and morality.
  • The fallen woman archetype has had a lasting impact on contemporary views regarding female sexuality and morality by perpetuating stigmas associated with women's sexual autonomy. While modern perspectives have shifted towards greater acceptance of diverse sexual identities and experiences, echoes of the fallen woman's plight can still be seen in discussions about female empowerment and societal judgment. Analyzing this archetype allows for a critical examination of how historical narratives shape current attitudes towards women's rights and sexual freedom.

Related terms

Victorian Morality: A set of attitudes and values that emphasized strict codes of conduct regarding sexuality, propriety, and social behavior during the Victorian era.

Redemption Arc: A narrative device where a character undergoes a transformation, typically involving atonement for past mistakes and seeking forgiveness.

Gothic Horror: A genre characterized by elements of terror, the supernatural, and exploration of human psychology, often incorporating dark settings and complex characters.