Violent Victorians and the Ripper Murders Flashcards
define ‘Ripperology’
investigation into the crimes of Jack the Ripper, especially in order to uncover the identity of the murderer
what must historians take into account when viewing the case critically?
that it provides an insight into hierarchies and power structures in Victorian Britain
list the names of the canonical five victims
Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly
describe the living conditions in Whitechapel during the time of the murders
poor living conditions and overcrowding with high levels of poverty. an average of 11.28 persons per house in 1881
how did the respectable classes view the East End of London during the Ripper murders?
as a symbol of social unrest and urban degeneracy
what were the common fears associated with East London in the late 19th century?
fear of rising gang violence and xenophobia towards immigrants
how did the press contribute to stereotypes about Jack the Ripper?
by suggesting that he was a monster, inhuman, and un-English
how was anti-Semitism evident during the Ripper case?
increased xenophobia and anti-Jewish riots and violence. Jacob the Ripper/Leather Apron
what event highlighted class conflict shortly before the Ripper murders?
Bloody Sunday, November 1887
how did the Ripper narrative affect gender relations in Victorian London?
it made women scared to go out alone and highlighted gender inequalities. late-Victorian gender roles were being challenged by the development of the ‘New Woman’ ideals
what was the Contagious Diseases Act (1864)
it allowed police to arrest women suspected of being sex workers for intrusive examinations
what is a key reason historians study the Jack the Ripper case?
to analyse the discourse around the murders and links to class, gender, race, and politics
what was the community response to the murders?
formation of vigilance committees and amateur night patrols
how did the press amplify the impact of the Ripper murders?
through sensationalist reporting and the rise of New Journalism
what was the ‘Maiden Tribute of Modern Babylon’?
a series exposing sex trafficking of young girls, leading to sensationalist journalism
how did sensational crime news affect Victorian readers?
it allowed middle-class to vicariously ‘participate’ in the crime via the press
what legacy did Jack the Ripper leave on the perception of male violence?
established a common vocabulary and imagery of male violence that persists in popular culture
how did sensational reporting impact the perception of the Ripper’s victims?
it dehumanised them, highlighting their gender and portraying their deaths as inevitable
how has Jack the Ripper been used symbolically in modern times?
to perpetuate ‘whorephobia’ and misogyny in attacks on women
what is a criticism of contemporary Ripper walking tours and museums?
they fail to recognise the victims and the historical context, focusing instead on the sensational aspects of the murders
how did Victorian media’s portrayal of the Ripper case affect public perception?
it intensified the dangers of male violence and convinced women that they were helpless victims
why do historians reject sensational portrayals of the Ripper case?
they seek to analyse the broader discourse and context of class, gender, race, and politics, rather than focusing on lurid details
