Lab Activity: DH: MIT Moral Machine and CLiC Dickens Project

Lab Activity: CLiC Dickens Project
This blog post is part of Lab Activity given by Dilip Barad sir. In this blog there is a discussion about the activities done on the  CLiC Dickens Project. 
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CLiC – Corpus Linguistics in Context


15. Education, women and governesses in the 19th century

Introduction
The role of governesses in 19th-century literature offers a unique window into the gender dynamics and social structures of the time. Using the CLiC Project from Birmingham University, I explored two thematic activities to understand how governesses were portrayed in literature. This blog post summarizes my findings and interpretations from these activities.



 15.1: The Governess

 Outcome

The video highlighted the ambiguous social standing of governesses, who were educated women working in upper-middle-class households. They occupied a space between being a servant and a family member, often leading to isolation. Their primary role was to educate the children, teaching subjects like reading, writing, and arithmetic. In literature, governesses symbolized the tensions between different social classes and the challenges faced by women seeking independence through employment.

Examples of Governesses in Literature :

-Jane Eyre in "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

- Agnes Grey in "Agnes Grey" by Anne Brontë

-Rebecca Sharp in "Vanity Fair" by William Makepeace Thackeray

- The unnamed governess in "The Turn of the Screw" by Henry James

Interpretation :

Governesses in literature often represented the struggles of educated women in a patriarchal society. Their roles highlighted the limited opportunities available to women and the social isolation they faced. Novels like "Jane Eyre" and "Agnes Grey" not only depict the professional challenges of governesses but also their personal growth and resilience.

15.3: The Social Status of Governesses in "Pride and Prejudice"

Outcome
In the selected passage from "Pride and Prejudice," Lady Catherine expresses surprise that the Bennet family did not employ a governess. Her reaction underscores the expectation for upper-middle-class families to have a governess to ensure proper education and discipline. The passage reveals the societal pressure to conform to norms and the perceived necessity of a governess for maintaining social status.

Passage Excerpt :
"Has your governess left you?"
"We never had any governess."

"No governess! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up at home without a governess! I never heard of such a thing. Your mother must have been quite a slave to your education."
- Jane Austen, "Pride and Prejudice," Chapter 29

Interpretation :

The passage illustrates the differing attitudes towards education and the role of women in society. Lady Catherine’s views reflect the rigid social norms of the time, where a governess was seen as essential for a respectable upbringing. This highlights the social divide between families who could afford a governess and those who could not. Austen uses characters like Lady Catherine to critique these societal expectations subtly.


Through these activities, I gained a deeper understanding of the complex role of governesses in 19th-century literature and society. They were essential yet often overlooked figures, symbolizing the nuanced interplay between gender, class, and social mobility. Literature from this period uses the figure of the governess to explore broader themes of independence, education, and societal expectations.

By examining governesses through the lens of the CLiC Project, we can appreciate the rich literary tradition that captures the struggles and triumphs of these unique characters.

 12. Character and Structure in A Christmas Carol

Opening of Fairy Tales in A Christmas Carol

In the beginning of A Christmas Carol, the phrase "once upon a time" is used to create a traditional storybook feel, setting the stage for the narrative. This phrase, commonly associated with fairy tales, invokes a sense of timelessness and fantasy. When comparing its usage in A Christmas Carol to other 19th-century texts using the CLiC Project, it becomes clear that this phrase was versatile in the period. While it often began children's stories, it could also serve as a general time reference. In A Christmas Carol, "once upon a time" appears two pages into the story, after establishing key points about Scrooge and Marley. This delayed usage reinforces the fairy tale atmosphere and transitions the reader into the narrative's magical elements.

The story's beginning emphasizes Marley's death and Scrooge's miserly nature, with repeated details underscoring their importance. For instance, the phrase "Marley was dead as a door-nail" is reiterated, emphasizing Marley's undeniable death, which is crucial for the story's supernatural aspects. Scrooge's cold-hearted character is also highlighted with detailed descriptions, setting the stage for his transformation. This structured repetition ensures the reader grasps these foundational elements before the tale truly begins.

Analyzing the Symbolism of Fire in  A Christmas Carol

Fire in A Christmas Carol symbolizes warmth, generosity, and human connection. Initially, Scrooge's small fire reflects his stinginess and lack of compassion. His clerk's even smaller fire, consisting of a single coal, highlights the oppressive working conditions Scrooge imposes. The contrast between Scrooge's minimal fire and the clerk's struggle for warmth at a candle illustrates the harshness of Scrooge's character.

Using the CLiC Concordance tool to examine the word "fire" throughout the text reveals its consistent presence and varying meanings. Fires in different settings—whether large or small, strong or feeble—symbolize the social and emotional warmth in those places. For instance, Fezziwig's party features a large, welcoming fire, symbolizing his generosity and the communal spirit he fosters. In contrast, Scrooge's solitary, feeble fire at home underscores his isolation and lack of warmth in his life.

Through these activities, the CLiC Project provides a deeper understanding of how Dickens uses repetition and symbolism to build his narrative. The opening of A Christmas Carol effectively sets the scene, while the recurring imagery of fire throughout the story highlights the central themes of warmth, generosity, and human connection. These elements work together to underscore Scrooge's transformation from a miserly, cold-hearted man to one who embraces the warmth of the holiday spirit.

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