Victorian Era

Definition

The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, marked by significant social, political, and cultural changes in Britain. This era was characterized by industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the British Empire, which influenced literature and art profoundly. During this time, strict social codes and moral values shaped both public and private life, impacting the roles and representations of women in literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era saw the rise of the middle class as a result of industrialization, leading to new social dynamics and increased literacy rates.
2. Women writers gained prominence during this time, using literature as a platform to challenge traditional gender roles and advocate for women's rights.
3. Key literary figures such as Charlotte Brontë, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy explored complex themes of morality, society, and personal identity in their works.
4. The era was marked by strict social conventions and morality, often reflected in literature that grappled with issues of class, gender, and sexuality.
5. The Victorian Era ended with Queen Victoria's death in 1901, paving the way for modernist movements in literature that began to break away from Victorian ideals.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence literary themes during the Victorian Era?
  • The Industrial Revolution dramatically changed British society by shifting from agrarian lifestyles to urban living. This transformation influenced literary themes by introducing concerns about class disparity, moral dilemmas stemming from industrialization, and the impact of technology on human relationships. Authors reflected on these changes in their works, exploring the struggles of individuals amidst societal upheaval.
• Discuss how Victorian women writers contributed to changing perceptions of women's roles in society through their literature.
  • Victorian women writers played a crucial role in reshaping societal views on women's roles by using their literary platforms to address issues such as marriage, education, and independence. Authors like George Eliot and Charlotte Brontë depicted strong female characters who challenged societal expectations and sought personal fulfillment. Their works sparked discussions about gender equality and women's rights, making significant contributions to the emerging feminist movement.
• Evaluate the impact of Victorian societal norms on literature produced during this era and its legacy in contemporary writing.
  • Victorian societal norms deeply influenced literature by imposing strict moral codes that governed themes and character behavior. Writers often confronted these norms through narratives that questioned class structures, sexual morality, and gender roles. The legacy of this tension is evident in contemporary writing, where many authors continue to explore themes of identity and social justice while challenging established conventions rooted in Victorian ideals.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of major industrialization from the late 18th century to the early 19th century that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial and urban.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism as a reaction against the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment rationalism.

Social Reform: Efforts aimed at improving societal conditions through changes in legislation and social practices, particularly regarding labor laws, women's rights, and education during the Victorian Era.