Godiva Utilitarianism
Megan Frisbie
October 11, 2014
Major English Authors III
Essay #1
Morality and Utilitarianism in Tennyson’s Godiva
Tennyson’s poem “Godiva” follows its narrator’s recreation of the tale. Through this retelling, readers can see how Victorian ideas influenced Tennyson’s work. The piece is marked by a tension between utilitarianism, exemplified by Lady Godiva’s husband, and humanist ethics, demonstrated by Lady Godiva’s actions. Through this historical struggle, the narrator’s comments on modern society can be seen. He finds the utilitarianism useless; instead, he idolizes Godiva’s ability to stand up for the people against taxation and shows dislike for her husband’s policies. Further, he highlights the fact that the townspeople do not view her naked body without consequences in order to strict Victorian sexual ideas. Consequently, the narrator fashions Godiva into a figure of purity and morality; this contradicts and discredits the Victorian ideals demonstrated by her husband. It also upholds Godiva’s morality as she rides through the town. The first four lines of the poem are italicized; this demonstrates the poem outline the narrator’s approach to writing the poem. He says that by looking at …show more content…
His challenge challenges Victorian sexual morality. By going through the town naked, Godiva would act controversially and would go against society. Showing her body would make her seem immoral. Because of this her husband tests her adherence to her beliefs, because he does not think she will go. Unlike him, though, she feels passionate for the people and accepts his challenge while ensuring that people will not see her riding naked. The challenge makes Godiva face an internal conflict (32-41). She is able to marry her sexual morality to her care and her rejection of
October 11, 2014
Major English Authors III
Essay #1
Morality and Utilitarianism in Tennyson’s Godiva
Tennyson’s poem “Godiva” follows its narrator’s recreation of the tale. Through this retelling, readers can see how Victorian ideas influenced Tennyson’s work. The piece is marked by a tension between utilitarianism, exemplified by Lady Godiva’s husband, and humanist ethics, demonstrated by Lady Godiva’s actions. Through this historical struggle, the narrator’s comments on modern society can be seen. He finds the utilitarianism useless; instead, he idolizes Godiva’s ability to stand up for the people against taxation and shows dislike for her husband’s policies. Further, he highlights the fact that the townspeople do not view her naked body without consequences in order to strict Victorian sexual ideas. Consequently, the narrator fashions Godiva into a figure of purity and morality; this contradicts and discredits the Victorian ideals demonstrated by her husband. It also upholds Godiva’s morality as she rides through the town. The first four lines of the poem are italicized; this demonstrates the poem outline the narrator’s approach to writing the poem. He says that by looking at …show more content…
His challenge challenges Victorian sexual morality. By going through the town naked, Godiva would act controversially and would go against society. Showing her body would make her seem immoral. Because of this her husband tests her adherence to her beliefs, because he does not think she will go. Unlike him, though, she feels passionate for the people and accepts his challenge while ensuring that people will not see her riding naked. The challenge makes Godiva face an internal conflict (32-41). She is able to marry her sexual morality to her care and her rejection of