Gender, Identity, and Expression in 19th Century British Society

Dorothy Wordsworth, a poet, diarist, and sister of the esteemed Romantic poet William Wordsworth, remains an underappreciated figure in literary history. Despite her integral role within the Romantic literary community, her work was largely kept private during her lifetime, with only a handful of her writings appearing anonymously in her brother’s poetry collection, "Poems," in 1815. It was only posthumously, with the publication of her journals, "The Alfoxden Journal" and "The Grasmere Journals," in 1897, and her poetry in 1987, that her contributions began to gain recognition. Yet, even today, her literary legacy often remains eclipsed by her brother's prominence. Nevertheless, Dorothy Wordsworth’s writings provide invaluable insights into the life and perspectives of a 19th-century woman, revealing intricate details about her existence, her relationship with her brother, and the societal context of her time. The subtleties found within her journals illuminate broader themes of gender, identity, and expression in 19th-century British society.

Documenting the Everyday: Weather, Food, and Nature

One of the striking features of Wordsworth's journals is her meticulous attention to seemingly trivial details such as weather, food, and nature. Almost every entry in her journals contains observations about the weather, ranging from vivid descriptions of storms to simple notes about daily conditions. For instance, in "The Grasmere Journals" on April 15, 1802, she writes about a storm: “It was a threatening, misty morning, but mild. […] The bays were stormy, and we heard the waves at different distances, and in the middle of the water, like the sea. Rain came on” (409-410). This consistent emphasis on weather suggests a deep connection between Wordsworth and her environment. While these observations may appear trivial at first glance, they reveal how intimately her daily life was intertwined with the natural world.

Anne Kostelanetz Mellor, in her book "Romanticism & Gender," highlights the differences in focus between male and female authors of the British Romantic period. She argues that female writers like Dorothy Wordsworth often addressed domestic issues and daily life, contrasting sharply with the grand themes explored by their male counterparts (2). As women were largely confined to the private sphere, their writings reflect their lived experiences and the domestic realities that shaped their identities.

The Role of Nature in Romantic Writing

Wordsworth’s focus on nature is emblematic of the Romantic era's reverence for the natural world. This connection serves two purposes: it aligns with Romantic conventions, celebrating the beauty and complexity of nature, and it is practically significant, as her daily activities depended on the weather. Jill Ehnnen, in her article "Writing against, Writing through: Subjectivity, Vocation, and Authorship in the Work of Dorothy Wordsworth," asserts that Wordsworth's detailed, non-narrative style should not be seen as inferior but rather as a radical departure from traditional male perspectives (75). By concentrating on the minutiae of her life, Wordsworth diverges from the lofty aspirations of her male contemporaries, illustrating the gender divide in literary expression.

The Domestic Sphere: Responsibilities and Relationships

In addition to her literary pursuits, Dorothy Wordsworth played a crucial role in managing the household and supporting her brother's writing career. Her responsibilities included gardening, baking, laundry, and other domestic tasks, as noted by Mellor (163). These daily activities dictated her routine and, by extension, her identity. Wordsworth’s commitment to her brother’s work further underscores the gender dynamics of their relationship. Susan J. Wolfson emphasizes that Dorothy was not only a supportive sister but also an essential collaborator in William’s literary endeavors:

She was the prized, constant interlocutor for his poetry, keeping journals that were resources of ideas, even phrasings for the poetry, conversing about the writing at hand, listening to it, editing it, and with other female hands, functioning as a ceaselessly transcribing and fair-copying (word-processors avant la lettre). Not just the spiritual superstructure but also the material infrastructure of William’s career requires acknowledgment. (213)

This deep bond between the siblings is palpable throughout her journals. Dorothy expresses her motivation for writing as a means to please William, stating, “I resolved to write a journal of the time, […] and I set about keeping my resolve, because I will not quarrel with myself, and because I shall give William pleasure by it when he comes home again” (406). Her identity is closely tied to her brother's success, highlighting the limitations placed on women in the 19th century, who were often relegated to supporting roles in the lives of men.

Identity Through Domesticity

Wordsworth’s journals reflect a unique form of self-identification rooted in her domestic responsibilities and relationships. As a woman of her time, she did not enjoy the same freedoms as her brother and other male writers, which influenced her perspective and subject matter. Instead of engaging in philosophical musings, Wordsworth’s writing is grounded in the practicalities of life. Mellor notes that the self depicted in Wordsworth’s journals is one that is shaped by physical labor and connections with significant others:

The self that is written in Dorothy Wordsworth’s Journals is one embodied in a routine of physical labor, of the daily production of food and clothing and shelter. […] It is a self that derives its sense of well-being from its continuing connections with those significant others she herself carved, in a ideogram of relatedness. (166)

This perspective illustrates how 19th-century women often defined themselves through their familial and communal ties, rather than through personal achievement. Dorothy’s devotion to her brother extended even after his marriage, as she continued to assist in raising his children, reinforcing her identity as a caregiver and supporter.

Conclusion: A Gendered Lens on Literary Expression

Dorothy Wordsworth’s journals, "The Alfoxden Journal" and "The Grasmere Journals," offer a valuable perspective on the gender dynamics of the British Romantic period. While her subject matter may initially seem trivial, it reflects the realities of her life and the societal expectations placed upon women. Wordsworth's focus on daily observations such as weather, food, and domestic responsibilities illustrates how her identity was shaped by her environment and relationships. The contrast between her writing and that of her male contemporaries highlights the broader themes of gender, identity, and expression in 19th-century British society, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing women’s contributions to literature.

Works Cited

Ehnnen, Jill. "Writing against, Writing through: Subjectivity, Vocation, and Authorship in the Work of Dorothy Wordsworth." South Atlantic Review, no. 1, 1999, p. 72. EBSCOhost, doi:10.2307/3201745.

Mellor, Anne Kostelanetz. Romanticism & Gender. Psychology Press, 1993.

Wolfson, Susan J. "William & Dorothy Wordsworth: All in Each Other." Wordsworth Circle, vol. 46, no. 4, Sept. 2015, pp. 213-215. EBSCOhost.

Wordsworth, Dorothy. The Alfoxden Journal and The Grasmere Journals. The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt, 9th ed., vol. D, W.W. Norton, 2012, pp. 402-414.