Through the northern gate
Subtitle: childhood and growing up in British fiction, 1719-1901
By: Jacqueline P. Banerjee.
Series: Studies in nineteenth-century British literature ;; v. 6
Publisher: P. Lang; Peter Lang Publishing; Lang Publishing, Incorporated, Peter
Published: 1996
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 244
Subjects: English fiction -- 19th century -- History and criticism.; English fiction -- 18th century -- History and criticism.; Psychological fiction, English -- History and criticism.; Maturation (Psychology) in literature.; Children in literature.; Youth in literature.; Bildungsromans -- History and criticism.
Description: This study challenges critical orthodoxy by showing that childhood became a focus of interest in British fiction well before the Romantic period. It also argues that children in the Victorian novel, far from being sentimental figures, are psychologically unique and contribute positively and significantly to the narrative discourse. Contemporary ideology, the novelists' autobiographical and humanitarian impulses, and gender issues, are all examined as factors in this development.

Works by the major authors are analysed alongside others by non-canonical and children's writers.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.