3.2 The Victorian novel
8 min read•august 20, 2024
The emerged during Queen Victoria's reign, reflecting the era's social and cultural shifts. These lengthy, complex works were often serialized in magazines, capitalizing on rising literacy rates and improved printing technology. The genre's popularity grew alongside the expanding middle class.
Victorian novels were known for their , , and . They often addressed contemporary issues like and . Authors like , , and the crafted memorable characters and explored , leaving a lasting impact on literature.
Emergence of the Victorian novel
- The Victorian novel emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and reflected the social, economic, and cultural changes of the era
- Victorian novels were characterized by their length, complexity, and serialized publication in magazines and newspapers
- The rise of literacy rates, advancements in printing technology, and the growth of the middle class contributed to the popularity and accessibility of novels during this period
Characteristics of Victorian novels
Serialization in magazines
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- Many Victorian novels were initially published in installments in periodicals such as Dickens' Household Words and All the Year Round
- allowed authors to respond to reader feedback and adapt their stories, while also building anticipation and increasing sales
- The format of serialization influenced the structure and pacing of novels, often featuring cliffhangers and plot twists to maintain reader interest
Omniscient third-person narration
- Victorian novels frequently employed an omniscient third-person narrator who had access to the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of multiple characters
- This narrative style allowed authors to provide a comprehensive view of society and explore the inner lives of their characters
- The omniscient narrator often served as a moral guide, commenting on the actions and decisions of the characters and reinforcing the novel's themes
Realism and social commentary
- Victorian novelists sought to depict contemporary society with a high degree of realism, focusing on the everyday lives and struggles of characters from various social classes
- Novels often addressed social issues such as poverty, industrialization, , and , providing a critical commentary on the state of Victorian society
- Authors used their works to expose the harsh realities of life for the working class and to advocate for social reform and justice
Moral and didactic themes
- Victorian novels often had a strong moral and didactic purpose, aiming to educate and guide readers towards virtuous behavior and ethical decision-making
- Themes such as the importance of hard work, the dangers of temptation and vice, and the rewards of personal integrity and social responsibility were common in Victorian literature
- Many novels featured characters who faced moral dilemmas and had to navigate the complexities of social expectations and personal desires, ultimately learning valuable life lessons
Major Victorian novelists
Charles Dickens
- Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was one of the most popular and influential Victorian novelists, known for his vivid characters, social criticism, and masterful storytelling
- His works, such as Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, and Great Expectations, often featured themes of poverty, social injustice, and the struggle for personal growth and redemption
- Dickens' novels were characterized by their humor, pathos, and memorable characters, and his writing style was known for its descriptive detail and emotional depth
George Eliot
- George Eliot (1819-1880), the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, was a prominent Victorian novelist known for her psychological realism and complex characters
- Her novels, such as Middlemarch and The Mill on the Floss, explored themes of social change, individual responsibility, and the role of women in society
- Eliot's writing was distinguished by its intellectual depth, moral seriousness, and nuanced portrayal of human relationships and inner conflicts
William Makepeace Thackeray
- (1811-1863) was a satirical novelist known for his biting social commentary and ironic wit
- His most famous work, Vanity Fair, critiqued the hypocrisy and superficiality of upper-class society and featured one of the most memorable anti-heroines in literature, Becky Sharp
- Thackeray's novels often exposed the darker aspects of human nature and the corrupting influence of money and social status
Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë
- The Brontë sisters, Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848), and Anne (1820-1849), were important figures in Victorian literature, known for their passionate and imaginative works
- Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, a featuring a strong and independent female protagonist, addressed issues of gender, class, and morality
- Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights, a gothic romance set in the Yorkshire moors, explored themes of love, revenge, and the destructive power of obsession
- Anne Brontë's The Tenant of Wildfell Hall dealt with themes of alcoholism, domestic abuse, and women's rights, challenging societal norms and expectations
Elizabeth Gaskell
- (1810-1865) was a social novelist known for her sympathetic portrayal of the working class and her engagement with issues of industrialization and social reform
- Her works, such as North and South and Mary Barton, depicted the struggles and hardships faced by factory workers and the tensions between the industrial North and the rural South
- Gaskell's novels often featured strong female characters and explored themes of class, gender, and the importance of human connection and understanding
Thomas Hardy
- (1840-1928) was a Victorian novelist and poet known for his pessimistic and fatalistic view of life and his portrayal of the decline of rural society
- His novels, such as Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure, dealt with themes of social injustice, the struggle against fate, and the consequences of rigid moral codes
- Hardy's writing was characterized by its vivid descriptions of the natural world, its psychological depth, and its critique of Victorian society's hypocritical attitudes towards sexuality and morality
Subgenres of Victorian novels
Social problem novels
- addressed specific social issues and aimed to raise awareness and promote reform
- Examples include Elizabeth Gaskell's Mary Barton (industrial poverty) and Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist ( and the workhouse system)
- These novels often featured realistic depictions of the lives of the working class and the poor, and they sought to elicit sympathy and inspire change in their readers
Industrial novels
- focused on the impact of industrialization on society, particularly on the lives of factory workers and the working class
- Examples include Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South and Charles Dickens' Hard Times
- These novels often contrasted the values and lifestyles of the industrial North with those of the rural South, and they explored issues of class conflict, labor relations, and the dehumanizing effects of mechanization
Sensation novels
- were a popular subgenre that featured scandalous and thrilling plots, often involving crime, secrets, and mistaken identities
- Examples include Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White and Mary Elizabeth Braddon's Lady Audley's Secret
- These novels were known for their suspenseful narratives, complex mysteries, and shocking twists, and they often challenged conventional notions of morality and respectability
Gothic revival
- The Victorian era saw a revival of the Gothic novel, which featured elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural
- Examples include Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights and Bram Stoker's Dracula
- Gothic novels often explored themes of passion, transgression, and the dark side of human nature, and they used atmospheric settings and psychological terror to create a sense of unease and dread
Historical novels
- set their stories in the past, often using real historical events and figures as a backdrop for fictional narratives
- Examples include William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair (set during the Napoleonic Wars) and George Eliot's Romola (set in Renaissance Florence)
- These novels often used the past as a means of commenting on contemporary issues and exploring timeless themes of love, ambition, and moral conflict
Bildungsroman
- The bildungsroman, or coming-of-age novel, traced the psychological and moral growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood
- Examples include Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre and Charles Dickens' Great Expectations
- These novels often focused on the challenges and obstacles faced by the protagonist as they navigated the complexities of society and sought to find their place in the world, ultimately leading to a greater understanding of themselves and their values
Victorian novel vs Romantic novel
- The Victorian novel marked a shift from the Romantic novel of the early 19th century, which emphasized emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature
- Victorian novels were more focused on social realism, moral didacticism, and the exploration of contemporary issues, while Romantic novels often featured idealized characters and settings
- Victorian novels were generally longer and more complex than Romantic novels, with intricate plots and a greater emphasis on character development and psychological depth
- While Romantic novels celebrated the power of the imagination and the individual, Victorian novels often emphasized the importance of social responsibility and the need for reform and progress
Influence on later literature
Modernist reaction against Victorian novel
- Modernist writers of the early 20th century, such as Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, reacted against the conventions and values of the Victorian novel
- Modernists rejected the realism, linearity, and moral certainty of Victorian literature in favor of experimental forms, psychological interiority, and a more fragmented and subjective view of reality
- Modernist novels often featured stream-of-consciousness narration, non-linear storytelling, and a greater emphasis on the inner lives of characters, marking a significant departure from the Victorian novel's focus on external reality and social commentary
Neo-Victorian novels
- Neo-Victorian novels, written in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, revisit and reimagine the Victorian era from a contemporary perspective
- Examples include A.S. Byatt's Possession and Sarah Waters' Fingersmith
- These novels often engage with the social, cultural, and political issues of the Victorian period, while also exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and the relationship between the past and the present
- Neo-Victorian novels may adopt the style and conventions of Victorian literature, or they may use postmodern techniques to subvert and critique those conventions, offering new insights into the era and its legacy
Legacy and lasting impact
- The Victorian novel had a profound and lasting impact on the development of English literature and on the way we understand and represent the world around us
- Victorian novelists pioneered new techniques of characterization, narration, and social commentary that continue to influence writers today
- The themes and issues explored in Victorian novels, such as class inequality, gender roles, and the effects of industrialization, remain relevant and resonant in our own time
- The Victorian novel's emphasis on realism, moral seriousness, and the power of literature to educate and reform society has shaped our expectations of what a novel can and should do
- The enduring popularity and canonical status of many Victorian novels, such as those by Dickens, Eliot, and the Brontës, testify to their timeless appeal and their ability to speak to the human condition across generations and cultures
Key Terms to Review (29)
Bildungsroman: A bildungsroman is a literary genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood. This coming-of-age story often explores themes of self-discovery, individuality, and the impact of society on personal development, making it a perfect vehicle for examining complex emotions and the journey toward finding one's identity.
Brontë Sisters: The Brontë sisters, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne, were 19th-century English writers whose works significantly contributed to the development of the Victorian novel. They are best known for their classic novels, which explore themes of passion, morality, and social criticism within a deeply personal context. Their writing often challenged the gender norms of their time, using strong female protagonists to address issues of identity and autonomy.
Charles Dickens: Charles Dickens was a renowned English writer and social critic, best known for his vivid characters and depictions of Victorian society. His works often blend satire, realism, and social commentary, shedding light on the struggles of the lower classes and critiquing the social injustices of his time.
Child labor: Child labor refers to the practice of employing children in work that deprives them of their childhood, education, and potential. This issue became prominent during the Industrial Revolution when factories and mines employed young children for long hours in hazardous conditions, highlighting the urgent need for social reform and ethical responsibility. The exploitation of children in labor is a critical theme that is explored in literature from this era, reflecting society’s struggles and advocating for change.
Class inequality: Class inequality refers to the disparities in wealth, resources, and opportunities that exist between different social classes within a society. This concept is crucial in understanding how individuals' life chances are affected by their socio-economic status, leading to significant differences in access to education, employment, and overall quality of life. The depiction of these inequalities is prevalent in literature, particularly in the Victorian era, where societal norms and expectations often reflected and reinforced class divisions.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, establishing settlements, and exploiting its resources for the benefit of the colonizing nation. This often involves the subjugation of the local population, imposition of foreign governance, and cultural assimilation. The impact of colonialism resonates through literature, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries, as it influenced narratives around identity, race, and power dynamics.
Elizabeth Gaskell: Elizabeth Gaskell was a prominent 19th-century British author known for her novels and social commentary that highlighted the struggles of the working class and women during the Victorian era. Her works often merged realism with a keen awareness of social issues, providing insight into the lives of various social classes and addressing themes such as industrialization, gender roles, and moral dilemmas.
Feminist literary theory: Feminist literary theory is a critical approach that examines literature through the lens of gender dynamics, focusing on the representation of women, the roles they play, and the cultural contexts surrounding their portrayals. This theory seeks to challenge and deconstruct patriarchal structures within texts and the literary canon while advocating for women's voices and perspectives in both literature and society. It engages with themes such as identity, sexuality, and power dynamics, particularly emphasizing how these elements influence the experiences of female characters and authors.
Gender roles: Gender roles refer to the societal expectations and norms that dictate how individuals should behave, dress, and interact based on their perceived gender. These roles can deeply influence personal identity and social interactions, especially in literary contexts where authors often critique or reinforce these norms. The exploration of gender roles can reveal the limitations placed on individuals and highlight the struggles for equality and self-identity throughout different literary movements.
George Eliot: George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a prominent 19th-century British novelist and social critic known for her insightful portrayals of human nature and society. Her works often emphasized realism and explored complex themes like morality, gender, and the social dynamics of Victorian life, making significant contributions to the development of the novel as a literary form.
Gothic Revival: The Gothic Revival was an architectural and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century and gained popularity throughout the 19th century, characterized by a fascination with medieval Gothic styles. This movement reflected a broader cultural interest in the romanticism of the past, emphasizing ornate designs, verticality, and intricate detailing. The Gothic Revival not only influenced architecture but also significantly impacted literature, particularly in shaping themes of horror, mystery, and the supernatural in the works of Victorian authors.
Historical novels: Historical novels are a genre of literature that reconstructs and depicts a specific time period in the past, often blending fictional characters and events with real historical figures and occurrences. This genre aims to transport readers to another era, providing a vivid backdrop of historical context while exploring themes of society, culture, and human experience.
Industrial novels: Industrial novels are a genre of literature that emerged during the Victorian era, focusing on the social, economic, and technological changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. These novels often depict the struggles of workers in industrial settings, highlighting issues such as class disparity, labor exploitation, and the impact of industrialization on society and individuals. They provide a critique of the rapid industrial development and its consequences on human life, reflecting the complexities of the Victorian experience.
Industrialization: Industrialization is the process of transforming economies from primarily agrarian to one dominated by industry and manufacturing. This shift greatly influenced social structures, urban development, and cultural expressions in literature, reflecting the complex realities of a rapidly changing society.
Moral complexity: Moral complexity refers to the intricate and often contradictory nature of ethical dilemmas, where characters grapple with ambiguous moral choices that challenge clear distinctions between right and wrong. In literature, especially during the Victorian era, this concept allows authors to delve into the nuances of human behavior, depicting characters that embody both virtues and flaws, reflecting the multifaceted nature of morality in society.
Moral themes: Moral themes are central ideas in literature that convey ethical lessons and reflections on human behavior, often examining concepts of right and wrong, justice, and virtue. These themes serve as a guide for characters' actions and decisions, influencing the narrative's direction and impact. They play a critical role in shaping readers' understanding of societal values and personal ethics within different literary contexts.
New Criticism: New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading of the text itself, focusing on its structure, language, and meaning while largely disregarding the author's intentions and historical context. This method prioritizes the work as an autonomous entity, allowing readers to explore its themes, symbols, and stylistic elements without external influences. New Criticism encourages an appreciation of the text's artistic qualities, which connects deeply with concepts of imagination and creativity, the narrative complexities of novels, and the emotional depth found in poetry.
Omniscient narration: Omniscient narration is a narrative perspective where the narrator knows all the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of every character within a story. This type of narration allows for a comprehensive view of the plot and characters, offering insights into their motivations and actions. The omniscient narrator can shift focus between characters and provide commentary or context that deepens the reader's understanding of the narrative.
Poverty: Poverty refers to the state of having insufficient financial resources to meet basic living needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter. This concept is deeply intertwined with societal structures, economic conditions, and cultural perceptions, often highlighting issues of inequality and social justice. In literature, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries, poverty serves as a crucial backdrop that shapes characters’ experiences and moral dilemmas while reflecting the harsh realities of urban life and social dynamics.
Realism: Realism is a literary movement that emerged in the mid-19th century, focusing on the representation of everyday life and ordinary people with an emphasis on accuracy and truthfulness. This movement sought to portray life as it truly was, often addressing social issues and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in society.
Sensation novels: Sensation novels are a genre of fiction that emerged in the 1860s, characterized by their focus on sensational themes such as crime, mystery, and scandal. These novels often feature strong, independent female protagonists and emphasize psychological tension, which captivated readers by mixing elements of realism with melodrama. Sensation novels played a significant role in shaping the Victorian literary landscape, challenging social norms and engaging with contemporary issues like gender roles and morality.
Serialization: Serialization is the practice of publishing a literary work in sequential installments, often in periodicals or magazines, rather than as a complete book. This method not only allows authors to reach a wider audience but also creates anticipation and engagement among readers, as they wait for each new installment to be released. Serialization became particularly prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially with the rise of the Victorian novel, which saw many writers adopt this format to gain popularity and financial support.
Social commentary: Social commentary refers to the act of using literary works to critique societal norms, issues, and injustices, often aiming to provoke thought and inspire change. It serves as a reflection of the author's observations on their contemporary society and highlights disparities, moral dilemmas, and social challenges. Through various narrative techniques and character developments, this form of commentary can influence readers' perceptions and encourage them to engage with critical social issues.
Social Problem Novels: Social problem novels are a genre of literature that emerged primarily in the 19th century, focusing on social issues and injustices faced by individuals and communities. These novels often depict the struggles of characters against societal norms and structures, aiming to raise awareness and provoke change regarding issues such as poverty, class disparity, and gender inequality. Through engaging narratives, social problem novels highlight the complexities of social realities and encourage readers to reflect on their moral responsibilities within society.
The Cornhill Magazine: The Cornhill Magazine was a significant Victorian periodical that began publication in 1860, known for its blend of literature and art, showcasing essays, fiction, and poetry by prominent writers. It played a crucial role in shaping the Victorian literary landscape, often featuring serialized novels and poetry that captivated readers of the time.
The Saturday Review: The Saturday Review was a significant literary and cultural journal published in England from 1855 to 1928, known for its critical reviews and essays on literature, art, and social issues. It played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing the Victorian novel by providing a platform for contemporary writers, offering critiques, and engaging in discussions about the themes and styles prevalent in the literature of that time.
Thomas Hardy: Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet known for his critical examination of social constraints and the human condition, particularly in the context of rural life during the late 19th century. His works often reflect realism, blending intricate character studies with social commentary that highlights the struggles against a changing world influenced by industrialization and scientific advancements.
Victorian novel: The Victorian novel refers to a genre of literature that emerged and flourished during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. Characterized by its detailed narratives, complex characters, and social commentary, the Victorian novel often addressed pressing societal issues such as class, gender roles, and morality while capturing the spirit of the time through its blend of realism and romanticism.
William Makepeace Thackeray: William Makepeace Thackeray was a British novelist and satirist known for his keen social commentary and vivid character portrayals during the Victorian era. He is best remembered for his novel 'Vanity Fair,' which offers a critical look at British society and its values through the lives of its characters, embodying the complexities and moral ambiguities of the time.