Social and behavioural functions of literature in the nineteenth century

Abstract

The nineteenth century was a time of profound change in Europe. Steam power and its applications transformed the landscape. Photography was invented. Medical discoveries improved people's life expectancy. Slavery was abolished. The prison system was reformed. Movements like socialism, communism and anarchism arose, and attention was given to the position of women. With so many things in flux, it was also a time of intense nervousness. New behavioral codes had to be developed. There was a strong moral sense, deemed necessary to steer the reforms into proper channels. But men and women were differently placed in this regard. Men could be both philanderers and respected reformers. A double standard was an accepted thing -for men, that is. Literature had a special role to play in this context. It engaged in fierce social debate, but it also served as a mainstay for the citizen in turbulent times. It taught the citizen of the new era how to behave. This article focuses on the complex social functions of literature in the nineteenth century, especially but not exclusively in the Netherlands.