Representations and Manifestations of Madness in Victorian Fiction
Journal: Research Commons (University of Waikato)
Year: 2015

This thesis explores the complex ways in which mental illness was portrayed in Victorian fiction. It situates the literature within historical contexts, but primarily focuses on fictional representations of madness. At times the fiction studied replicates the dominant attitudes towards mental illness in the period. On other occasions the literature forms a dialogue with the historical record, challenging Victorian attitudes and assumptions. &#13;\nThese texts form the core of my discussion: Jane