The Victorian Age (1837-1901)

Introduction

The Victorian Age, spanning the years of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901, was a period of profound transformation in English society, culture, and literature. This era, characterized by the dramatic changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, saw the rise of realism in literature and a strong emphasis on social reform. Writers of this period produced some of the most enduring works in the English literary canon, exploring themes of morality, class struggle, and the human condition.

Historical Context

Reign of Queen Victoria

The Victorian Age coincides with the reign of Queen Victoria, one of Britain’s longest-reigning monarchs. Her era is often associated with a sense of propriety, strict social norms, and an emphasis on family values. Queen Victoria’s influence extended beyond politics into the cultural and social realms, shaping the moral tone of the age.

Industrial Revolution

The Victorian era was marked by the rapid advancements of the Industrial Revolution. This period saw significant technological innovations, leading to urbanization and a shift from agrarian economies to industrial powerhouses. The steam engine, railways, and mechanized factories transformed how people lived and worked, bringing both progress and profound social challenges.

Social Reform

The rapid industrialization brought about significant social issues, including poor working conditions, child labor, and widespread poverty. In response, the Victorian Age was a time of substantial social reform. Legislation such as the Factory Acts, which regulated working hours and conditions, the Poor Law Amendment Act, which aimed to reduce poverty, and the Public Health Act, which sought to improve sanitation, were enacted to address these pressing concerns.

British Empire

The expansion of the British Empire was another hallmark of the Victorian Age. By the end of the 19th century, Britain had established a vast colonial empire that spanned the globe. This expansion had a profound impact on global politics, economics, and culture, and it also influenced Victorian literature, which often grappled with themes of imperialism and the moral implications of colonialism.

Key Characteristics of Victorian Literature

Realism

Victorian literature is renowned for its realism, with writers striving to depict everyday life and society with accuracy and detail. This often involved highlighting the harsh realities of life for the poor and marginalized, as well as exploring the complexities of human behavior and social interactions.

Morality

A strong emphasis on morality pervaded Victorian literature. Authors frequently explored the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations, often using their works to critique the moral values and social norms of the time.

Critique of Society

Many Victorian writers used their works to critique the social, economic, and political conditions of the era. Issues such as child labor, exploitation, and the plight of the poor were common themes, with authors seeking to raise awareness and inspire change.

Serialization

The serialization of novels in magazines was a common practice during the Victorian Age, making literature more accessible to a broader audience. This format allowed writers to build suspense and develop complex plots over time, contributing to the popularity of the novel as a literary form.

Read More – Literary Terms Definition And Example

Major Literary Forms and Genres

The Novel

The novel emerged as the dominant literary form during the Victorian Age. Victorian novels are known for their detailed character development, intricate plots, and social commentary. They often addressed the pressing social issues of the day, from poverty and class inequality to gender roles and moral dilemmas.

Poetry

Poetry continued to flourish during the Victorian era, with poets experimenting with both traditional forms and innovative styles. The themes of Victorian poetry often reflected the social and moral concerns of the time, as well as personal introspection and a fascination with the natural world.

Drama

While drama was less prominent in the Victorian Age compared to other periods, it still produced significant works. Victorian drama often tackled social issues and moral questions, reflecting the era’s preoccupations with propriety and reform.

Essays and Non-Fiction

Essays and non-fiction writing played a crucial role in Victorian literature, with many writers using these forms to explore social, political, and philosophical ideas. These works often provided sharp critiques of contemporary society and advocated for social change.

Prominent Authors and Works

Novelists

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens is perhaps the most famous Victorian novelist, known for his vivid characters and depictions of social issues. His works often highlight the struggles of the poor and the injustices of the Victorian social system.

• Great Expectations
• Oliver Twist
• David Copperfield

Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë’s novels explore themes of morality, class, and gender, often through the lens of strong, independent female protagonists.

• Jane Eyre

Emily Brontë

Emily Brontë is best known for her singular novel, a powerful exploration of passion, revenge, and the destructive power of love.

• Wuthering Heights

George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)

George Eliot’s novels are noted for their psychological insight and moral complexity, offering a nuanced portrayal of Victorian society.

• Middlemarch
• The Mill on the Floss

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy’s works critique Victorian society and highlight the inevitable suffering and tragedy of human existence.

• Tess of the d’Urbervilles
• Jude the Obscure

Poets

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Tennyson, Poet Laureate for much of the Victorian period, is known for his reflective and often melancholic verse, exploring themes of loss and longing.

• In Memoriam A.H.H.
• The Charge of the Light Brigade

Robert Browning

Browning’s dramatic monologues are celebrated for their psychological depth and exploration of human motives.

• My Last Duchess
• Porphyria’s Lover

Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning addressed social issues and personal themes in her poetry, often advocating for the rights of women and the poor.

• Sonnets from the Portuguese
• Aurora Leigh

Matthew Arnold

Arnold’s poetry critiques modern society and culture, often expressing a sense of disillusionment and longing for spiritual fulfillment.

• Dover Beach

Essayists and Critics

Thomas Carlyle

Carlyle’s essays explore historical and social issues, often critiquing the industrial society and advocating for a return to traditional values.

• Sartor Resartus
• The French Revolution: A History

John Ruskin

Ruskin was an influential art critic and social thinker, whose works addressed the relationship between art, society, and morality.

• Modern Painters
• The Stones of Venice

Walter Pater

Pater was a proponent of “art for art’s sake,” emphasizing the importance of aesthetic experience and the pursuit of beauty in his writings.

• Studies in the History of the Renaissance

Themes and Issues in Victorian Literature

Industrialization and its Discontents

Many Victorian writers explored the impact of industrialization on society, particularly the poor and working classes. Their works often highlighted the harsh realities of factory life, urban poverty, and the environmental degradation caused by industrial progress.

Class Struggle

The rigid class structure and the tensions between different social classes were common themes in Victorian literature. Writers often depicted the struggles of the working class and the injustices perpetrated by the wealthy elite, advocating for social reform and greater equality.

Gender Roles

The roles and rights of women were frequently examined in Victorian literature. Many works highlighted the limitations placed on women in Victorian society and advocated for greater equality and opportunities for women.

Moral and Religious Doubts

The rapid changes of the Victorian era led to questioning of traditional beliefs and values, including religious faith. Many writers grappled with these doubts in their works, exploring themes of existential angst and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

Imperialism

The expansion of the British Empire and its consequences were also explored in Victorian literature. Writers examined the moral implications of colonialism, the cultural encounters between colonizers and the colonized, and the impact of empire on both British and colonial societies.

Examination Tips

Understand Context

Familiarize yourself with the historical, social, and economic context of the Victorian Age. Understanding the background of the era will help you better appreciate the themes and concerns of Victorian literature.

Analyze Key Themes

Identify and discuss the central themes in Victorian literature and how they reflect the society of the time. Be prepared to explore how these themes are developed through characters, plots, and literary techniques.

Close Reading

Pay attention to the use of literary devices and techniques in Victorian texts. Analyzing elements such as symbolism, imagery, and narrative structure can provide deeper insights into the works.

Comparative Analysis

Be prepared to compare and contrast different authors and works within the Victorian period. Consider how different writers address similar themes and how their perspectives and techniques differ.

Critical Perspectives

Consider various critical interpretations and perspectives on Victorian literature. Engage with the scholarly debate surrounding the works and incorporate these insights into your analysis.

Practice Questions

• Discuss how Charles Dickens portrays the plight of the poor in Oliver Twist and David Copperfield.
• Analyze the role of women in Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Aurora Leigh.
• How does Thomas Hardy critique Victorian society in Tess of the d’Urbervilles?
• Explore the theme of industrialization in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s In Memoriam A.H.H. and Matthew Arnold’s Dover Beach.
• Compare the portrayal of moral dilemmas in George Eliot’s Middlemarch and Robert Browning’s dramatic monologues.

Conclusion

The Victorian Age was a dynamic period in English literature, characterized by its rich exploration of social issues, moral questions, and human experiences. Through the works of its prominent authors, this era continues to offer valuable insights into the complexities of Victorian society and the enduring themes of human existence.