The tool belt of the self: A historical study utilizing the fantasies of imaginative Victorian individuals

This thesis had two main agendas, the first was to offer a new view of fantasies and their role in human thought processes. Fantasies, both literary and otherwise, are an important aspect in the historical studies of individuals as they are multifaceted tools of each individual mind. The introduction reconciles modern psychological models of cognition to history and literary criticism. The second agenda was to provide a new view of two Victorian individuals. Benjamin Disraeli and Jean Ingelow, as described in their fantasies. These fantasies are particularly helpful in illuminating how those individuals viewed their world, both ideally and critically.; After the introduction, two separate chapters discuss the fantasies of Disraeli and Ingelow In his fantasies, Disraeli provides much evidence that he never saw himself as primarily a politician. His fantasies illuminate many other important aspects of his life. In Ingelow's fantasies. she is primarily concerned with empowering women through cultivating their imaginations. She also sought to create a feminine literature separate from the male-dominated genres. In both of their respective fantasy realms. they achieved critique of their age as well as a plan for their futures. Both of these views conflict with many historical assumptions regarding each respective figure.; In the short concluding chapter, the to distinctly different types of fantasies responses are compared and contrasted, revealing the differences between male and female expectations in Victorian society. Disraeli was socially stigmatized by his Jewish ethnicity and his own attempts to become a myth. Conversely, Ingelow was stigmatized socially by her gender and covertly fought through fantasy writings to negate the patronizing stereotypes that kept her on the defensive. Through fantasy they both individually displayed humanity's ability to find expression. no matter how powerful a restrictive social pressure they might be burdened with. Since this is a new approach. some discussion about fantasy study itself will arise, rounding out the study.