Victorian and Modern View of Sexuality

Undoubtedly, the issues related to sex and sexuality have troubled human minds since the very first day of world creation. As an old proverb goes- forbidden fruit is sweet. Irrespectively of time humanity has always been preoccupied with this matter. Uncountable works of art and literature productions serve as a vivid evidence of this. But, still, in the course of time people’s attitude to sex becomes more careless.
The main theme touched upon in the novel of Charles Dickens David Copperfield is the cruel exploitation of working class in the industrial society, and at the same time this book vividly depicts the life of people during that period with all their vital problems and troubles. Dickens’ characters are very often diversified by their appearance, being either very attractive and prepossessing or totally opposite, not to say ugly. According to Dickens, physical attractiveness, inseparable from sexuality, can never be separated from spiritual beauty.
In The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad the reader also comes across the issues of sexuality. According to the book, the character who had greater achievements, automatically could count on the favor of the most beautiful and attractive woman. In other words, the status and dignity of a man was measured by physical or sexual attractiveness of his helpmate. Woman serves as an object that evaluates man’s success.
Ultimately, the attitude towards sex and sexuality has changed in the course of time. People are more open and free with it.