February 05, 2006
Behind the Queen's Back
Despite the presumptuous ideals of virtue and innocence created and inspired by Queen Victoria, Mayhew felt that London was “a national disgrace to us [the English]” (Thomas 11). Although the Great Exhibition in 1851 ironically distracted the world from the corruptions brewing within the country’s borders, the people could not be fooled. Greed and wrath enslaved the oldest to youngest, and the richest to poorest members of society. Yet, the deadliest of sins to ensnare London’s victims was lust found within the arms of the “women of the night.”
Strutting from alley to alley, young women (and girls, as young as thirteen or twelve) took to the streets in search of a life devoid of pain-staking labor and destitution. Granted, many remained successful in their decadent endeavors; yet, every encounter marked an irreversible price for the supplier and her customer. By 1864, contagious diseases infected a disturbing number of military men. As a result, such bodily “trades” forced law and medical officials to “authorize the detention and medical examination of suspected [carriers] in the neighborhoods of barracks or dockyards” (Thomas 97).
Naturally, the reader may become inclined to believe that karma rose against these promiscuous city-dwellers to strike them. However, the economic and social circumstances during the times cloud this particular perception—no longer are these lustful actions right or wrong, but instead a means seeking a comfortable end.
Posted by BethanyHutira at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2006
England's Shadow
Within Thomas' prologue, the author systematically reviews and reveals the issues surrounding crime, prostitution, and law enforcement during Victorian times. To the modest reader, these revelations may appear cumbersome. However, the depiction Thomas presents provides even these readers a glimpse into the dark alleys of London where the people, in their perpetual poverty, were left for ruin or death. Although hundreds…if not thousands meet an early demise, the remaining majority sought to create their own perception of justice. Thus, crime became an inevitable avenue with which those unfortunate individuals would turn toward.
“What was criminal often lay in the eye of the beholder” (Thomas, 1).
As the improvised underclass grew in numbers, these citizens collectively bade together. Suspicious of the police or any other authority/governmental figure, communities were formed among the thieves and female “entertainers.” Through these alliances, they would offer protection to any individual or persons finding them selves running or acquitted by the law. As a result, this lifestyle transcended through the generations and developed into the norm of living publicly/privately. Subsequently, the criminals’ means of existence brought about three major civic changes within England. As noted by Thomas, the list includes:
1.) the ‘Bloody Code’ of laws and punishments
2.) Imprisonment as a form of penalty
3.) the creation of a new Police force
Based upon further research, found in Thomas' later chapters, those of criminal-mind weren't intimidated by the threats or punishments of their "superiors." Primarily because, those that accused and arrested were also individuals who dabbled in illegal activities. Justice certainly was blind to its enforcers’ deeds performed in London’s shadows. Interestingly, these actions inspired the underclass to seize power through crime and rebel against the “moral standards” created by those they considered hypocrites. These differences in perspective will lead to the continued demoralization of England and eventually reform towards purity.
Posted by BethanyHutira at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)