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The Victorian era (1837 to 1901) was a time of profound societal change and evolving gender roles. This age is characterized by rigid gender stereotypes and expectations that prevailed in every sphere of society. In this society, distinct roles of men and women prevailed in the form of specific duties and responsibilities. For example, the role of women was to have children and tend the house. Women had to perform their duties and responsibilities thoroughly to run a respectable household. They had the duty to secure happiness among family members. On the other hand, men were the superior rulers. They were defined to run the public world. They had authority, superiority, domination, rationality, and strength. The great poet Alfred Tennyson has a strong voice in speaking about Victorian society. His poetry strongly reflects the gender-stereotyped society of the Victorian age. His poems are a powerful reflection of gender dynamics. These poems highlight societal norms, challenges regarding women’s place, and also portray cultural perceptions of femininity. This article will portray Victorian society regarding gender issues through a detailed explanation of Tennyson’s poems like “Mariana,” “The Lady of Shalott,” “The Princess,” and “Ulysses.” The reader will understand how these poems serve both as a mirror and a critique of societal values regarding women’s role and identity. The stereotypical belief in the cult of domesticity is perfectly reflected in these poems. Women are presented as pure and morally superior, whose duty is to provide moral guidance to their children. They are the “angel of the house,” responsible for nurturing their families.
Keywords: Superiority, Gender Stereotype, Domesticity, Rationality, Feminity, Cult of Domesticity