What exactly was the relationship between facial physiognomy and character and how can a doctrine concerned with aesthetics have such socio-cultural ramifications? These are some of the questions which will be investigated in this paper, along with how physiognomy has had a significant impact on eighteenth-century culture and literature. In this context, the works of prose fiction "Oroonoko" (1688) and "A Simple Story" (1791) serve as examples to illustrate the far-reaching implications of physiognomy.
In order to grasp the complexity of the dynamic relation between facial physiognomy and character, it is important to first explore the meaning and controversies that are attached to this concept. Next, the role of physiognomy in the manifestation of European beauty standards and in the creation of racial difference facilitates a broader understanding of the repercussions associated with physiognomy. Finally, the ramifications on gender discrimination are also taken into consideration and the approaches that resulted from these dynamics, such as the vogue for masquerade. Overall, the relationship between facial physiognomy and character proves to be an obscure but very relevant socio-cultural force in Early Modern and Late Modern English culture that contributed to the formation and shaping of societal norms and concepts, which is reflected in these centuries’ literary works.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Physiognomy: Early Modern and Late Modern English Culture and Literature
- The Ambivalence of Physiognomy
- European Beauty Standards and Racial Difference
- Gender Discrimination and Masquerade
Objectives and Key Themes
This work investigates the complex relationship between facial physiognomy and character in Early Modern and Late Modern English culture and literature. It explores how a doctrine seemingly concerned with aesthetics had significant socio-cultural ramifications, influencing societal norms and literary representations.
- The ambivalent interpretations and controversies surrounding physiognomy in the 17th and 18th centuries.
- The role of physiognomy in shaping European beauty standards and creating racial difference.
- The impact of physiognomic ideals on gender discrimination and the rise of masquerade as a counter-force.
- The use of physiognomy as a literary device in novels of the period.
- The lasting influence of physiognomic thinking on societal norms and concepts.
Chapter Summaries
Physiognomy: Early Modern and Late Modern English Culture and Literature: This chapter sets the stage by introducing the concept of physiognomy and its complex relationship with character. It highlights the contrasting viewpoints on physiognomy—the belief that facial features reveal inner character versus the skepticism surrounding its validity. The chapter establishes the historical context of physiognomy from classical Greek thought to its 17th and 18th-century controversies, noting the debate between those who saw facial features as true reflections of inner character and those who viewed them with skepticism. The chapter emphasizes the contested nature of physiognomy and its impact on literature, where novelists used the concept to explore the relationship between appearance and character, reflecting the ongoing societal debate. The use of physiognomy in literary works is presented as a reflection of broader societal beliefs and anxieties surrounding appearance and reality.
The Ambivalence of Physiognomy: This section delves into the inherent ambiguities and contradictions within the concept of physiognomy itself. It explores the classical origins of the belief that facial features reflect inner traits, contrasting this with the counterarguments that challenged its scientific basis and the inherent subjectivity of interpreting facial expressions. The chapter presents the conflicting views of physiognomy: as a legitimate method for judging character and as a deceptive force that misleads perceptions. This internal tension within the concept itself is emphasized as a crucial factor in its influence on both social attitudes and artistic expression during the period.
European Beauty Standards and Racial Difference: This section examines how physiognomy contributed to the establishment and reinforcement of European beauty standards and the creation of racial hierarchies. It shows how the association of beauty with goodness of soul led to the justification of social inequalities, including slavery, through the creation of a biased system of categorization and aesthetic judgements. The chapter uses Aphra Behn's Oroonoko as a case study, analyzing how the portrayal of the main character reinforces European beauty standards while simultaneously dehumanizing African features. The discussion explicitly addresses the "Oroonoko effect" and the role of physiognomy in shaping racial bias and discrimination during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Gender Discrimination and Masquerade: This section focuses on the discriminatory effects of physiognomy on women and the emergence of masquerade as a form of resistance. It argues that the double standard applied to women in terms of their appearance reveals the inherent gender bias within physiognomic thinking. The chapter explores how the pressure on women to conform to specific beauty ideals led to a different form of societal constraint compared to men. Furthermore, the development and rise of the masquerade is interpreted as a deliberate attempt to challenge these imposed standards and to escape the constraints of predetermined physiognomic judgments.
Keywords
Physiognomy, character, appearance, beauty standards, racial difference, gender discrimination, masquerade, 17th-century literature, 18th-century literature, Oroonoko, European aesthetics, social norms.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this text?
This text is a comprehensive language preview that examines the complex relationship between facial physiognomy and character in Early Modern and Late Modern English culture and literature. It explores how physiognomy, a doctrine seemingly focused on aesthetics, had significant socio-cultural ramifications, influencing societal norms and literary representations.
What are the key themes explored in this text?
Key themes include the ambivalent interpretations and controversies surrounding physiognomy in the 17th and 18th centuries; the role of physiognomy in shaping European beauty standards and creating racial difference; the impact of physiognomic ideals on gender discrimination and the rise of masquerade as a counter-force; the use of physiognomy as a literary device in novels of the period; and the lasting influence of physiognomic thinking on societal norms and concepts.
What is covered in the "Physiognomy: Early Modern and Late Modern English Culture and Literature" chapter?
This introductory chapter introduces the concept of physiognomy and its complex relationship with character. It highlights contrasting viewpoints on physiognomy—the belief that facial features reveal inner character versus skepticism—and establishes its historical context from classical Greek thought to 17th- and 18th-century controversies. The chapter emphasizes the contested nature of physiognomy and its impact on literature, showcasing its use as a reflection of broader societal beliefs and anxieties.
What does the section on "The Ambivalence of Physiognomy" discuss?
This section delves into the inherent ambiguities and contradictions within physiognomy. It explores its classical origins and contrasts them with counterarguments challenging its scientific basis and the subjectivity of interpreting facial expressions. The chapter presents conflicting views: physiognomy as a legitimate method for judging character and as a deceptive force. This internal tension is highlighted as crucial to its influence on social attitudes and artistic expression.
How does the text address "European Beauty Standards and Racial Difference"?
This section examines how physiognomy contributed to the establishment and reinforcement of European beauty standards and the creation of racial hierarchies. It shows how the association of beauty with goodness led to the justification of social inequalities, using Aphra Behn's Oroonoko as a case study to analyze how the portrayal of the main character reinforces European standards while dehumanizing African features. The "Oroonoko effect" and the role of physiognomy in shaping racial bias are explicitly discussed.
What is the focus of the section on "Gender Discrimination and Masquerade"?
This section focuses on the discriminatory effects of physiognomy on women and the emergence of masquerade as resistance. It argues that the double standard applied to women reveals inherent gender bias in physiognomic thinking. The chapter explores how pressure to conform to beauty ideals led to societal constraints and interprets the rise of masquerade as an attempt to challenge these standards and escape physiognomic judgments.
What keywords are associated with this text?
Keywords include: Physiognomy, character, appearance, beauty standards, racial difference, gender discrimination, masquerade, 17th-century literature, 18th-century literature, Oroonoko, European aesthetics, social norms.
What types of information are included in this language preview?
This preview includes the title, table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. It provides a comprehensive overview of the text's content and approach.
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- M. Amira (Autor:in), 2021, The Relationship between Facial Physiognomy and Character, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/1330380
