The Works of Max Beerbohm · Chapter
1880 explained
The author reflects on the social and aesthetic transformation of English society around 1880, marking the rise of the Aesthetic movement, the Mashers, and the convergence of art and high society.
What happens
The author reflects on the social and aesthetic transformation of English society around 1880, marking the rise of the Aesthetic movement, the Mashers, and the convergence of art and high society. He critiques the limitations of contemporary memoirs and newspapers for historical research, and highlights key political figures and cultural shifts that defined the era.
Themes in this chapter
Dandyism and Aestheticism
The chapter details the rise of the Mashers and the Aesthetic movement, emphasizing dress, art, and the cult of Beauty.
Artifice vs. Nature
Contrasts the artificiality of fashionable society with the natural beauty sought by Aesthetes, e.g., pastoral plays at Coombe Wood.
Critique of Modernity and Progress
The author laments the loss of genuine gossip due to the Press and critiques the superficiality of contemporary historical records.
The Artist as Detached Observer
The narrator positions himself as a detached, ironic historian, fascinated yet critical of the period's follies.
Characters to notice
- Max Beerbohm
Narrator and historian of the period, reflecting on his personal fascination with 1880s society.
- Mr. Oscar Wilde
Credited with introducing Beauty to society and sparking the Aesthetic movement.
- Gladstone
Returned to public life with a monstrous majority, revelling in old splendour of speech.
- Lord Randolph Churchill
Described as the greatest Parliamentarian of his day despite his halting speech and foppish mien.
- Disraeli
Mentioned in the context of his tragic fall in 1880 and his presence at the Grosvenor Gallery.
- Aubrey Beardsley
Referenced indirectly as part of the aesthetic circle; 'la belle Aubrey' is a known alias.
Key passages
“History, it has been said, does not repeat itself. The historians repeat one another.”
Historical events are unique, but historians tend to recycle the same narratives.
Opening aphorism setting the tone for the author's original historical approach.
“It was Mr. Oscar Wilde who managed her début.”
Oscar Wilde was responsible for introducing Beauty into fashionable society.
Key claim about Wilde's role in the Aesthetic movement.
“The social condition of 1880 fascinates me in the same way. Its contrasts fascinate me.”
The author is captivated by the contradictions and juxtapositions of 1880s society.
Reflects the author's personal engagement with the period.