Victorian Era
Introduction
Step back in time to explore the Victorian era through a fascinating lens – literature.
From the imaginative tales of Lewis Carroll to the works of Charles Dickens, Victorian literature provides a unique peek into everyday life during this period. Through these stories, we can observe how people lived, what they ate, how they dressed, and more. We can learn about the values and beliefs of Victorians and gain insight into how they viewed the world and its inhabitants.
The tales of Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Thomas Hardy also offer us a glimpse into the lives of 19th-century characters who were full of life and adventure. We can find humor in their stories and empathy in their struggles.
In this article, we will uncover some of the most iconic literature from this period and explore how it shaped popular culture today.
An Overview of the Victorian Era
This period of British literature was marked by Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901 and saw a surge in literary works that explored the complexity of human emotions.
The Victorian era highlighted two distinct ways of looking at reality: scientific thought based upon proof and experimentation versus spiritualism, which believed that things like fate could influence events. As a result, many authors wrote about conflicting beliefs in their works.
Victorian literature also reflected the new values forming during this period. For example, industrialization was occurring, which led to an increased focus on machinery and industry—ideas that are often seen in books from this era such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. In addition, new concepts such as feminism were beginning to gain popularity and were often seen in works like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Villette by Emily Brontë.
Class-System and Society in Literature
The Victorian era was a time of intense social and class stratification in England. In literature, this system is often represented through the characters and their relationships with each other. You might observe a variety of social hierarchies in literature from this era, including those between the upper-class aristocracy, the middle-class gentry, and the working poor.
In addition to detailing the class divide, the literature of this period also offers insight into gender roles. For example, female characters are often portrayed as being unable to express themselves freely or to have any real power in society beyond what is determined by their husbands/fathers/brothers.
One can also observe a great deal about religion during this period—particularly relative to Anglican Christianity—through its presence (or lack thereof) in books from this era. Often authors used religious themes as symbols of morality or as vehicles for discussing broader themes like guilt and sin. Literature from the Victorian era also highlights certain ethical dilemmas that were prominent at the time, such as abortion, animal rights, and economic inequality.
Popular Victorian Genres and Stories
The Victorian era was a time when literature flourished. Aspiring writers excelled at producing stories that addressed themes of romanticism, religion, and moral issues. The era was marked by the emergence of popular genres such as novels, essays, poetry, and drama, all of which had been growing in popularity for centuries but never reached so many readers until this time period.
The Victorian Era also marked the advent of some of literature’s most beloved characters and stories that remain beloved to this day. Notable characters such as Sherlock Holmes, Dorian Gray, and Alice Liddell are still remembered fondly today.
The novels that took place during this era are captivating reads that can provide readers with an interesting look into life during a transformative period in history. Charles Dickens’s novels “Great Expectations” and “A Tale of Two Cities” remain some of the classics of the Victorian Era. Poets also flourished during this period, such as Alfred Tennyson and Christina Rossetti who explored themes of love and life in their works.
All these genres came together to inform how modern literature is produced today. It is important to remember the stories from this era in order to gain an appreciation for how literature has evolved over time.
Characteristics of Victorian Writing and Poetry
When someone mentions the Victorian period, one of the first things that come to mind is literature. Writers of this period were known for their focus on the individual and their exploration of values and conventions. In their works, they examined conventional beliefs and explored topics such as family dynamics and gender roles.
The poetry of the era had particular characteristics that can be seen in both popular and elite writing. Victorian poetry often contained literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, and similes - often requiring a dictionary or encyclopedia to fully comprehend its deeper meanings. Some writers also used metrical feet through iambic pentameter and blank verse to achieve a certain 'feel' to their work; while others embraced rhyme schemes like traditional sonnets or ballads.
Victorian authors' use of language was also reflective of their time; they tended to incorporate words with a specific scientific bent into their works, often creating unique phrases that played upon each other in clever ways. Additionally, they utilized intricate descriptions in order to paint vivid scenes within the readers’ minds - aptly reflecting the spirit of progress that was omnipresent during this period in England's history.
The Victorian era highlighted two distinct ways of looking at reality: scientific thought based upon proof and experimentation versus spiritualism, which believed that things like fate could influence events. As a result, many authors wrote about conflicting beliefs in their works.
Victorian literature also reflected the new values forming during this period. For example, industrialization was occurring, which led to an increased focus on machinery and industry—ideas that are often seen in books from this era such as Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. In addition, new concepts such as feminism were beginning to gain popularity and were often seen in works like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Villette by Emily Brontë.
Class-System and Society in Literature
The Victorian era was a time of intense social and class stratification in England. In literature, this system is often represented through the characters and their relationships with each other. You might observe a variety of social hierarchies in literature from this era, including those between the upper-class aristocracy, the middle-class gentry, and the working poor.
In addition to detailing the class divide, the literature of this period also offers insight into gender roles. For example, female characters are often portrayed as being unable to express themselves freely or to have any real power in society beyond what is determined by their husbands/fathers/brothers.
One can also observe a great deal about religion during this period—particularly relative to Anglican Christianity—through its presence (or lack thereof) in books from this era. Often authors used religious themes as symbols of morality or as vehicles for discussing broader themes like guilt and sin. Literature from the Victorian era also highlights certain ethical dilemmas that were prominent at the time, such as abortion, animal rights, and economic inequality.
Popular Victorian Genres and Stories
The Victorian era was a time when literature flourished. Aspiring writers excelled at producing stories that addressed themes of romanticism, religion, and moral issues. The era was marked by the emergence of popular genres such as novels, essays, poetry, and drama, all of which had been growing in popularity for centuries but never reached so many readers until this time period.
The Victorian Era also marked the advent of some of literature’s most beloved characters and stories that remain beloved to this day. Notable characters such as Sherlock Holmes, Dorian Gray, and Alice Liddell are still remembered fondly today.
The novels that took place during this era are captivating reads that can provide readers with an interesting look into life during a transformative period in history. Charles Dickens’s novels “Great Expectations” and “A Tale of Two Cities” remain some of the classics of the Victorian Era. Poets also flourished during this period, such as Alfred Tennyson and Christina Rossetti who explored themes of love and life in their works.
All these genres came together to inform how modern literature is produced today. It is important to remember the stories from this era in order to gain an appreciation for how literature has evolved over time.
Characteristics of Victorian Writing and Poetry
When someone mentions the Victorian period, one of the first things that come to mind is literature. Writers of this period were known for their focus on the individual and their exploration of values and conventions. In their works, they examined conventional beliefs and explored topics such as family dynamics and gender roles.
The poetry of the era had particular characteristics that can be seen in both popular and elite writing. Victorian poetry often contained literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, and similes - often requiring a dictionary or encyclopedia to fully comprehend its deeper meanings. Some writers also used metrical feet through iambic pentameter and blank verse to achieve a certain 'feel' to their work; while others embraced rhyme schemes like traditional sonnets or ballads.
Victorian authors' use of language was also reflective of their time; they tended to incorporate words with a specific scientific bent into their works, often creating unique phrases that played upon each other in clever ways. Additionally, they utilized intricate descriptions in order to paint vivid scenes within the readers’ minds - aptly reflecting the spirit of progress that was omnipresent during this period in England's history.
Legacy of the Novelists of the Time
The Victorian era was a treasure trove of literature, with some of the greatest writers of all time emerging during this period. While there were many notable poets and playwrights, such as Robert Browning and Alfred Lord Tennyson, novelists flourished in this era as well.
Authors like Charles Dickens, the Bronte sisters, George Eliot, Wilkie Collins, and Thomas Hardy provided readers with an unprecedented look into Victorian society. While they wrote stories that celebrated its virtues, they also highlighted its shortcomings—such as poverty and class distinctions—providing a window into the social norms of the time.
With their vivid descriptions of everyday life, these authors created a timeless legacy that continues to impact readers today. Through their works, we can gain insight into the thoughts and motivations of those who lived in the period—from the young governesses living in isolation to crime-solving detectives—and explore how their experiences resonate with ours in the present day.
The Key Players in Victorian Literature
The Victorian Era was heavily influenced by many authors and poets, all of whom helped shape the literature of the day. Below, we outline some of the key players who contributed to this definition:
Charles Dickens
When it comes to discussing the literary canon of the Victorian Era, one cannot go past Charles Dickens. His novels such as Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities have been read by generations, with stories that reflect life during this period. He worked to create strong female characters such as Estella from Great Expectations and Lucie Manette from A Tale of Two Cities.
Elizabeth Gaskell
Another respected author from this era is Elizabeth Gaskell. Her writing often reflects the themes of oppression and women's place in society – something which was very pertinent during this time period. Works such as Cranford and North and South provide a snapshot into life at that time.
Robert Browning
In addition to prose authors, poets were also very influential during the Victorian era. Robert Browning used poetry to express his views on social issues, war, and politics in works like My Last Duchess. His use of symbols in his work was famously used by T.S Eliot later on in his poem The Waste Land.
By understanding some of these key players in Victorian literature, it becomes easier to unlock the stories lurking beneath classic pieces from this era.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from the tumultuous and often dark stories of Victorian England, readers can gain insight into the trials and tribulations of life during the era. The stories of the Victorian age are both riveting and compelling and can provide the reader with an in-depth look into a time that was often chaotic, but equally as beautiful and powerful. Although the Victorians might be gone, their stories will continue to live on through literature and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
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