Embedded Files
Before coming to class, take some time to prepare yourself by watching the videos below. They will help you better understand the gender roles, expectations, and limitations faced by women in Victorian England — and how these historical realities connect to the characters and themes in Fingersmith.
Make sure to take a few notes as you watch. These insights will help you participate in group discussions and activities during the lesson.
🎬 1. Meet the Author: Sarah Waters on Fingersmith
🎬 1. Meet the Author: Sarah Waters on Fingersmith
Learn about why Sarah Waters wrote Fingersmith, how she combines history and fiction, and what she says about gender and identity.
As you watch, write brief notes on the following:
Why did Sarah Waters choose to write a story like Fingersmith?
How does she use historical facts or real Victorian issues to shape her fictional story?
What does she say about female identity, sexuality, or challenging traditional roles?
📝 Bring your notes to class. At the start of the lesson, you’ll pair up and discuss:
“How does Waters’ purpose affect how we read the novel?”
Watch this video where author Sarah Waters discusses her novel Fingersmith.
🕰️ 2. Gender in 19th Century Britain
🕰️ 2. Gender in 19th Century Britain
Understand the social and legal roles women had in the 1800s—and how restricted their lives were under Victorian ideals.
👗 3. The Impossible Ideal: Victorian Fashion and Femininity
👗 3. The Impossible Ideal: Victorian Fashion and Femininity
Discover how fashion was used to control women’s behavior and reinforce the image of the “ideal” passive woman.
Reflection Task:
Reflection Task:
After watching, write down a few key ideas that stood out to you. You’ll use this knowledge during our in-class group activity on Gender Roles in Fingersmith.
📘Reading: Start Exploring the Novel
To familiarize yourself with Fingersmith before class, you can begin reading the e-book version of the novel. This will give you a deeper understanding of the characters, themes, and historical setting we’ll explore together.
👉 Click here to open the e-book
Fingersmith - Sarah Waters [Worldfreebooks.com].pdfPage updated
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