One characteristic is the challenging of traditional gender roles. Female characters in such fiction often break free from the passive, domestic roles expected of them in Victorian society. They might pursue education or careers, which was highly subversive at that time.
One example is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane is a strong - willed character who challenges the social norms. She refuses to be a meek and submissive woman. For instance, she stands up to Mr. Rochester at times and also makes her own choices regarding love and marriage, which was quite subversive for a Victorian woman.
Subversive fiction refers to fictional works that aim to disrupt the established ways of thinking and being. These works usually have a critical edge towards the dominant ideology. They can use various literary devices to make their point. In subversive fiction, the characters may act in ways that go against the expected social behaviors. It could also be that the plot unfolds in a manner that challenges the common understanding of good and bad, right and wrong. For example, Kafka's works are often seen as subversive. His stories like 'The Metamorphosis' present absurd situations that make readers re - evaluate the nature of human existence and the society's expectations of individuals.
Subversive science fiction often challenges the status quo, whether it's social norms, political systems, or cultural beliefs. It can present alternative ways of living, thinking, and organizing society. For example, works might depict a future where traditional gender roles are completely reversed, or where capitalism has been replaced by a new economic model.
Subversive fiction can make people think differently. It shows that there are other possible ways of living and organizing society. For example, it can encourage social change by highlighting inequalities in a thought - provoking way.
Victorian female detective fiction was quite a novelty in its time. It often presented strong female characters who defied the traditional gender roles of the Victorian era. These female detectives were intelligent, observant, and resourceful, challenging the male - dominated detective narrative. For example, in some works, they were able to solve complex mysteries that the male characters overlooked.
Philip K. Dick's 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' is a subversive work. It makes us question what it means to be human. The movie 'Blade Runner' based on this book also falls into this category. Also, 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is subversive as it subverts the idea of a patriarchal, theocratic society and shows the extreme oppression of women in such a system.
Victorian female detective fiction has had a significant influence on modern detective stories. It introduced the concept of the female detective, which has been further developed in modern times. Modern stories often draw on the idea of the strong, intelligent female detective first seen in Victorian works.