From The Margins: Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

The latter half of the 19th century witnessed significant social, economic, and cultural shifts worldwide. Industrialization, urbanization, and socio-political changes all contributed to the restructuring of societies. Amid these transformations, homelessness emerged as both a pressing social issue and a prevalent theme in literature.

Homelessness, as we understand it today, is not merely the lack of a physical place to live, but also represents social exclusion, destitution, and vulnerability. It is a complex phenomenon often intertwined with issues of poverty, mental health, disability, abuse, and marginalization. This research focuses on the late 19th-century period – a time that saw the surge of urban growth, often accompanied by economic disparities, leading to an increase in homelessness.

Literature of this era, across different cultures, grappled with these changes and their resulting societal issues. It reflected, critiqued, and sometimes, challenged societal attitudes towards these transformations. Therefore, studying the depiction of homelessness in literature from this period not only offers a mirror to the society of the time, but also provides insights into the origins and early perceptions of homelessness as a societal issue.

This research explores the portrayal of homelessness in the literature of the late 19th century. Through the detailed examination of chosen texts, it seeks to understand how authors represented the multifaceted nature of homelessness and the related themes of gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex societal attitudes and structures that influenced the lives of the homeless during this pivotal period in history.

By diving deep into the narratives of homelessness from the late 19th century, this study endeavors to shed light on a crucial aspect of our social past, thereby contributing to our comprehension of the present and potentially informing our approach to the future.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although homelessness is a recurring theme in literature throughout history, its portrayal in the late 19th century, during an era of significant social, economic, and cultural transformation, offers unique insights into societal attitudes and practices. However, there is a scarcity of comprehensive studies that probe the depiction of homelessness during this period from multiple angles, including intersections with gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse.

Furthermore, literary depictions of homelessness are often viewed in isolation rather than being considered in their broader socio-cultural and historical contexts. As a result, many studies provide a somewhat fragmented understanding of homelessness during this period.

Moreover, the intricate connection between societal attitudes and their reflection in literature demands exploration. For instance, societal attitudes towards homosexuality and disability can significantly impact the portrayal of homeless individuals who identify as homosexual or are disabled. The same applies to experiences of abuse, a topic rarely addressed in depth in this context.

The problem, therefore, lies in the current gap in the literature that calls for a comprehensive and multi-dimensional study of homelessness in late 19th-century literature. This research aims to fill that gap by integrating the various strands of intersectionality, exploring how they interact with and influence the depiction of homelessness, and shedding light on the broader societal structures and attitudes reflected in these portrayals.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the portrayal of homelessness in late 19th-century literature through a multi-dimensional lens. This analysis aims to uncover the complex interplay between homelessness and other pivotal aspects of identity and experience, namely gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse.

More specifically, this research seeks to:

1. Uncover and analyze the different narrative techniques and strategies authors of the period used to depict homeless characters and their experiences.
2. Investigate the portrayal of homeless individuals through the intersectional lenses of gender, disability, and homosexuality, and examine the role of abuse in these portrayals.
3. Expose the societal attitudes, assumptions

1.3 Objective of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the portrayal of homelessness in late 19th-century literature through a multi-dimensional lens. This analysis aims to uncover the complex interplay between homelessness and other pivotal aspects of identity and experience, namely gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse.

More specifically, this research seeks to:

1. Uncover and analyze the different narrative techniques and strategies authors of the period used to depict homeless characters and their experiences.
2. Investigate the portrayal of homeless individuals through the intersectional lenses of gender, disability, and homosexuality, and examine the role of abuse in these portrayals.
3. Expose the societal attitudes, assumptions, and biases of the period towards homelessness and related intersectionalities as reflected in the literature.
4. Contribute to the broader understanding of societal structures and attitudes during the late 19th century, using homelessness as a lens to view the society.
5. Illuminate how these 19th-century narratives of homelessness resonate with, influence, or diverge from contemporary discourses surrounding homelessness and related themes.

This study, through its objective, strives to bridge the existing gap in literary analysis of the period by offering a comprehensive, nuanced, and intersectional examination of homelessness in the late 19th-century literature.

1.4 Research Questions

To achieve the objectives set forth, this study will be guided by the following research questions:

1. How is homelessness portrayed in selected late 19th-century literary works? What narrative techniques and strategies do authors use to depict homeless characters and their experiences?
2. How do themes of gender, disability, and homosexuality intersect with homelessness in these literary portrayals? In what ways does abuse feature in the narratives of homeless characters?
3. What can these depictions and intersections reveal about societal attitudes, assumptions, and biases during the late 19th century?
4. How are societal structures and attitudes reflected in the representation of homelessness and its intersectionalities in the literature of this period?
5. In what ways do these 19th-century narratives of homelessness resonate with, influence, or diverge from contemporary discourses surrounding homelessness and related themes?

These research questions are designed to guide the exploration of multiple facets of the representation of homelessness in late 19th-century literature, contributing to a richer and more nuanced understanding of this complex phenomenon in its historical and societal context.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The significance of this study lies in its potential to provide a multi-dimensional understanding of homelessness as depicted in late 19th-century literature. By focusing not only on homelessness but also its intersections with gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse, the study brings attention to complex, overlapping marginalities often overlooked in literary analysis.

Firstly, this research contributes to the field of literary studies by offering a comprehensive analysis of homelessness in late 19th-century literature. Given the scarcity of studies exploring this topic from multiple angles, this research fills a critical gap in the academic landscape.

Secondly, by revealing societal attitudes, assumptions, and biases of the period, this study provides valuable insights into the socio-cultural history of the late 19th century. It illuminates how societal structures and prejudices were reflected in, and potentially challenged by, the literature of the time.

Thirdly, this study is significant for contemporary discourses around homelessness and related themes. By understanding historical narratives of homelessness, we can better comprehend current societal attitudes and structures and possibly inform future policy-making and interventions.

Lastly, this study provides an important foundation for further research. It opens avenues for more focused studies on the intersection of homelessness with themes like gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse in different literary periods, cultures, and genres.

In sum, this study has broad implications for literary studies, socio-cultural history, contemporary discourses on homelessness, and future research directions, underscoring its considerable significance.

1.6 Scope and Limitations

This research, while comprehensive, is focused on the literary depiction of homelessness in the late 19th century. The scope of this study is defined by its focus on selected literary works from this period that prominently feature themes of homelessness.

The study explores homelessness through intersectional lenses of gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse. However, it is important to note that these are not the only factors that may intersect with homelessness. The study consciously limits its scope to these factors based on their prevalence in the literature and their relevance to the broader socio-cultural context of the period.

Geographically, this study primarily focuses on Western literature, given that the late 19th century was a time of significant transformation and industrialization in the Western world, leading to unique societal changes and challenges, including homelessness.

One limitation of this research is that it relies on the subjective interpretations of literary texts. While every effort will be made to ensure the analysis is rigorous and grounded in established literary theories and methodologies, interpretations may vary among different readers.

Another limitation lies in the selected texts themselves. The texts chosen for this study, while representative of the period, may not capture all the diverse experiences and perspectives of homelessness during the late 19th century.

Despite these limitations, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of homelessness in the literature of the late 19th century, enriching our understanding of this complex social phenomenon and its intersections with other aspects of identity and experience.

1.7 Methodology Overview

The methodology employed in this study is primarily qualitative, utilizing close reading and textual analysis of selected literary works from the late 19th century that depict homelessness. The texts for analysis have been chosen based on their representative nature and the prominence of homelessness as a theme.

The analysis will involve a close examination of language, narrative techniques, character development, and thematic concerns. The study will adopt an intersectional approach, exploring how homelessness intersects with aspects of gender, disability, homosexuality, and experiences of abuse in the chosen texts.

This study will also employ a comparative method, where texts are compared and contrasted to gain a better understanding of the diverse ways in which homelessness is depicted and the various societal attitudes it reflects.

The theoretical framework guiding this analysis will be drawn from various fields including literary theory, socio-cultural theory, gender studies, disability studies, and queer theory. The study will also take into account historical contexts, societal norms, and attitudes of the late 19th century to ensure a thorough and nuanced analysis.

Though primarily based on literary analysis, this study will also draw on secondary resources such as scholarly articles, historical documents, and critical essays to further inform and support the analysis.

While a comprehensive methodology overview will be detailed in a dedicated chapter, the approach is designed to provide a nuanced and multi-dimensional understanding of the depiction of homelessness in late 19th-century literature.

1.8 Organization of the Study

This thesis will be organized into seven chapters to systematically and thoroughly address the research objectives:

Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter provides an overview of the research, including the background, problem statement, objectives, research questions, significance, scope and limitations, and methodology of the study.

Chapter 2: Literature Review: This chapter presents a review of existing literature related to homelessness in late 19th-century literature, intersecting themes, and socio-cultural contexts. It also identifies gaps in the existing research that this study seeks to address.

Chapter 3: Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology, including the theoretical framework, selection and justification of the chosen texts, methods of analysis, and the approach to data interpretation.

Chapter 4: Homelessness and Gender in Late 19th-Century Literature: This chapter examines how gender intersects with homelessness in selected literary works, highlighting the unique experiences and challenges faced by homeless individuals based on their gender.

Chapter 5: Homelessness, Disability, and Homosexuality in Late 19th-Century Literature: This chapter analyzes how disability and homosexuality are portrayed in relation to homelessness in the selected texts, shedding light on the compounded marginalization these individuals may face.

Chapter 6: Homelessness and Experiences of Abuse in Late 19th-Century Literature: This chapter focuses on the theme of abuse in the narratives of homeless characters, exploring how experiences of abuse are depicted and their impact on the lives of the homeless.

Chapter 7: Conclusion and Recommendations: This concluding chapter presents a synthesis of the research findings, discusses their implications, and provides recommendations for further research. It also reflects on the broader impact and contributions of the study.

Through this systematic organization, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of the portrayal of homelessness and its intersections with gender, disability, homosexuality, and abuse in late 19th-century literature.

1.9 Conclusion

This introductory chapter has laid out the foundational concepts and objectives for this research into the depiction of homelessness in late 19th-century literature. By focusing on the intersections of homelessness with gender, disability, homosexuality, and experiences of abuse, this study seeks to offer a comprehensive and multi-dimensional analysis of literary portrayals of homelessness during this period.

Given the scarcity of research that takes a similar intersectional approach, this study aims to fill a significant gap in the literature. The research questions have been designed to guide an in-depth exploration of the topic, shedding light on societal attitudes and assumptions of the late 19th century, and potentially informing contemporary discourses on homelessness and related themes.

The research will be conducted through a qualitative methodology, employing close reading and textual analysis of selected texts, guided by theoretical frameworks drawn from multiple disciplines. Despite the study’s inherent limitations, it aspires to contribute meaningfully to literary studies, socio-cultural history, and future research directions.

The following chapters will delve into the chosen literary works and their analysis, each focusing on a particular theme or intersection. The ultimate aim is to enhance our understanding of the multifaceted phenomenon of homelessness as represented in late 19th-century literature and its ongoing relevance to our present society.