Scents and Sensibility: The Alluring Fragrance and Hidden Meanings of Perfume in Victorian Literary Culture

In the Victorian era (1837-1901),perfume was a powerful and multifaceted force that permeated every aspect of society. Beyond its practical purpose of enhancing personal hygiene, perfume carried a rich cultural significance, reflecting social class, personal identity, and hidden desires. It played a pivotal role in literary works of the period, becoming a potent symbol that conveyed complex emotions, hinted at unspoken truths, and shaped the narrative arc of beloved characters. This article delves into the captivating world of scents and sensibility in Victorian literary culture, exploring the evocative power of perfume and its profound influence on the literary imagination.

The Language of Scents

The Victorians possessed a heightened sensitivity to scents. They believed that different aromas could influence mood, evoke memories, and even transmit diseases. The sense of smell was considered a direct pathway to the subconscious, capable of bypassing reason and logic. Thus, perfume became a language in itself, conveying subtle messages and expressing emotions that could not be easily articulated.

Scents and Sensibility: Perfume in Victorian Literary Culture

by Jean-Paul Dubois

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
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In Charles Dickens' seminal work, "Great Expectations," the character of Miss Havisham's decaying wedding dress is described as emitting a "faint musty odor," hinting at her bitter and unresolved past. In Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," the heroine Elizabeth Bennet's "light, pleasant perfume" contrasts with the "heavy, overbearing scent" of her pretentious neighbor, Mr. Collins, underscoring their vastly different personalities.

Social Class and Identity

Perfume played a crucial role in establishing and maintaining social hierarchy. The upper classes indulged in expensive and exotic fragrances, such as attar of roses and jasmine, while the lower classes relied on simpler, more common scents. The presence or absence of perfume served as a marker of one's social status and could influence how they were perceived by others.

In "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde, the protagonist's youthful innocence is associated with the "fragrance of white lilac." However, as he descends into debauchery, his perfume becomes "poisonous" and "heavy," reflecting his moral decay.

Seduction and Desire

Perfume was an essential tool in the art of seduction during the Victorian era. Women used specific scents to attract the attention of potential suitors and enhance their allure. Floral fragrances, such as lily of the valley and lavender, were considered particularly effective.

In Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre," the mysterious Mr. Rochester is first introduced through the captivating scent of "damp wood" and "something sweet—a resinous perfume." This olfactory experience foreshadows the passionate and forbidden romance that unfolds between the two characters.

Hidden Meanings and Symbolism

Beyond its social and personal significance, perfume held deep symbolic meanings in Victorian literature. Certain scents were associated with specific emotions or qualities. For example, rose symbolized love and passion, while lavender represented purity and tranquility.

In Emily Dickinson's poem "After the Rain," the speaker finds comfort in the scent of lilacs after a storm, which she interprets as a sign of hope and renewal. In Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," Alice's encounter with the Cheshire Cat is marked by the "strange, sneezing-sort of smell" that fills the air, hinting at the surreal and unpredictable nature of the story.

The Allure of Flowers

Flowers were an integral part of Victorian perfume making. Their delicate petals and intoxicating scents provided the raw materials for creating both simple and luxurious fragrances. Each flower carried its own unique meaning, adding layers of symbolism to the perfumes they inspired.

In "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë, the passionate love between Catherine and Heathcliff is intertwined with the scent of heather, a flower that symbolizes both their wild and untamed nature. In "The Wind in the Willows" by Kenneth Grahame, the setting is characterized by the "honeyed fragrance" of wildflowers, evoking a sense of innocence and idyllic beauty.

The Rise of Commercial Perfumery

During the Victorian era, the commercial perfume industry experienced rapid growth. New technologies and scientific advancements led to the creation of synthetic fragrances that were more affordable and widely available than natural perfumes. This democratization of scent had a profound impact on Victorian society, allowing people from all walks of life to enjoy the pleasures of perfume.

In George Eliot's "Middlemarch," the main character Dorothea Brooke is described as "the sort of woman who would like to have been in the front row of the pit at a Christmas pantomime, where the red-sequined clown should have tumbled over head and heels, and the harlequin should have kissed Columbine." This suggests a hidden desire for escapism and excitement, hinted at through the mention of theatrical makeup and fragrances.

Perfume played a multifaceted role in Victorian literary culture, reflecting social class, personal identity, seduction, and hidden meanings. Its evocative power influenced the narrative arc of characters, conveyed complex emotions, and added layers of symbolism to the works of renowned authors. Through the evocative language of scents, Victorian literature captured the complexities of human nature and the intricate tapestry of Victorian society.

The legacy of Victorian perfume culture continues to resonate in contemporary literature and popular culture. From the alluring scents of Chanel No. 5 to the nostalgic fragrances of period dramas, the power of perfume to evoke emotions, create atmosphere, and tell stories remains as captivating as ever. Its enduring presence reminds us of the profound influence that scent holds on our senses, our imaginations, and our understanding of the world we inhabit.

Scents and Sensibility: Perfume in Victorian Literary Culture

by Jean-Paul Dubois

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2280 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	379 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE