From the Margins: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Homelessness in Late Nineteenth-Century Literature

by Daniel Lane

The idea is to combine my long-term interests in literature and my current homelessness situation.

Introduction

This research proposal intends to study the portrayal of homelessness in late 19th-century literature through a multi-dimensional lens incorporating aspects of gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse. This period was characterized by significant societal and economic changes, which impacted individuals differently based on their social status, physical capabilities, sexual orientation, and exposure to abuse. This proposal seeks to understand how these factors were woven into the literature of the time, especially in relation to homelessness.

Objective of the Study

To explore and analyze the multi-dimensional depiction of homelessness in late 19th-century literature, focusing on intersections with gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse.

Research Questions

1. How does the literature from the late 19th century depict homelessness?
2. How do the themes of gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse intersect with homelessness in the selected literary works?
3. What do these depictions and intersections reveal about societal attitudes and structures during this period?

Research Methodology

The study will employ a qualitative research methodology, with in-depth literary analysis forming the core approach. Selected literary works from the late 19th century depicting homelessness will be analyzed through lenses of critical theory, historical context, and socio-cultural implications.

Proposed Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Literature Review
3. Historical Context
4. Theoretical Framework
5. Close Readings
6. Themes in the Literature
7. Gender and Homelessness
8. Homelessness as Social Criticism
9. Homosexuality and Homelessness
10. Disability and Homelessness
11. Abuse and Homelessness
12. Comparative Analysis
13. Conclusions

Timeline

• Months 1-3: Introduction, Literature Review
• Months 4-6: Historical Context, Theoretical Framework
• Months 7-12: Close Readings, Themes in Literature
• Months 13-15: Gender and Homelessness
• Months 16-18: Homelessness as Social Criticism
• Months 19-20: Homosexuality and Homelessness
• Months 21-22: Disability and Homelessness
• Months 23-24: Abuse and Homelessness
• Months 25-27: Comparative Analysis
• Months 28-30: Conclusions, Editing, and Finalization

Expected Outcomes

The research is expected to contribute significantly to understanding societal attitudes towards homelessness, gender, disability, and homosexuality during the late 19th century, as reflected in its literature. It aims to highlight how abuse was used as a narrative tool in these works and the influence of these factors on the lives of the homeless during this period. The research could potentially open up avenues for future studies in related areas and provide insights relevant to contemporary social issues. It will also be interesting to see if the literature of the 19th Century relates to my current experiences, although that is not the purpose of this blog series it may be referred to.