Chevely, or Man of Honor Essay

Introduction

This is an analysis of the theme and symbolism of the work of Rosina Lytton and its relation to gender focusing on chapter six to twelve of the book. It shows the gender disparities during the Victorian era. This book explores the theme of women and specifically their role at home on how they face challenges in balancing their attention towards children and supporting their husband’s ambitions.

The Analysis

The book is based on the theme and symbolism of irony and shows instances, which women in the Victorian era suffered in the hands of their husbands as well as in-laws. For instance, there is a time when Lord Clifford (Mowbray) complained that Lady Clifford (Julia) was paying much attention to the child while neglecting him (Lytton 92). He does not want Lady Clifford to spend more than one hour with the child while he was alone. Lady Clifford was therefore torn between either attending the child and her husband.

The other theme raised in these chapters is the role played by the mothers-in-law. In the case of Julia, her mother-in-law had a lot of influence on her son. She would always point Julia’s weaknesses while cooking, laundry as well as how she neglects of her son (Lytton 95).

This led to conflict of interest between the two women who sought to control and influence Lord Clifford. The other issue raised in these chapters is loneliness and responsibilities that women encounter when their husbands are on travel. For instance, Julia would spend sleepless nights praying for her husband when he was away on official duty (Lytton 105). She was expected to remain faithful to her husband while her husband, Lord Clifford entertained many women when he was away for such occasions (Lytton 102).

The other aspect discussed in this book about the plight of women was the fact that during political campaigns the two women, that is Lord Clifford’s mother and Julia played a critical role in his success in political campaigns as their opinion about him mattered to the public (Lytton 117). Therefore, Julia in many instances was forced to lie to the public by praising his husband publicly though she loathed him privately. She was to describe her husband as faithful, peaceful and democratic even though it was not true (Lytton 122).

Conclusion

These chapters show the role played by women in defending and assisting men to succeed. The chapters also show that it is not easy for women to balance their many responsibilities. They indicate that the concern that women have for the welfare of their husbands are at heart to the extent of lying to the public in order to ensure that their husbands have succeeded. This raises questions on whether the success is for men and women.

The descriptions of Lord Clifford and his treatment towards his wife are in conflict with the title of this book and perpetuate the symbolism of irony in author’s use of title “men of honor”. There is no honor when such men as Lord Clifford mistreat and misuse their wives. Though this setting was during Victorian era on how men treated their wives, it serves the role of helping the modern day society to assess whether there has been progress in the issues concerning women.

Works Cited

Lytton, Rosina. Chevely, or Man of Honor. London: Swan Sonnenschein Press, 1839. Print.