Victorian Era

Definition

The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, characterized by significant social, cultural, and political changes in Britain. This era was marked by industrialization, the expansion of the British Empire, and a focus on morality, family values, and social responsibility, which influenced various literary movements including realism and Gothic fiction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era saw the rise of the novel as a dominant literary form, with authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot exploring social issues and the human condition.
2. Victorian literature often grappled with themes of morality, class struggle, and the complexities of love and relationships, reflecting the era's strict social codes.
3. The period was notable for its Gothic literature revival, emphasizing themes of horror, mystery, and psychological complexity as seen in works by authors like Bram Stoker and Mary Shelley.
4. Feminism began to gain traction during this era, with authors like Charlotte Brontë and George Eliot challenging traditional gender roles in their writings.
5. Social reform movements emerged during the Victorian Era as a response to industrialization and urban poverty, influencing literature and prompting authors to address societal problems.

Review Questions

• How did the social and cultural changes during the Victorian Era influence the characteristics of Gothic literature?
  • The Victorian Era's emphasis on morality, societal norms, and psychological complexity significantly shaped Gothic literature. As industrialization transformed society, writers like Mary Shelley explored themes of alienation and madness within their characters. This era's fascination with the darker aspects of human nature found expression in Gothic novels that delved into fear, horror, and moral dilemmas, making them resonate with contemporary readers who were experiencing rapid societal changes.
• In what ways did Tennyson’s poetry reflect Victorian ideals about love and morality?
  • Tennyson’s poetry is deeply intertwined with Victorian ideals surrounding love and morality. His works often depict idealized romantic relationships that emphasize duty and fidelity within marriage, echoing the era’s societal expectations. Additionally, Tennyson’s exploration of grief in poems like 'In Memoriam' reflects Victorian concerns about loss and spiritual fulfillment, showcasing how personal emotions intersected with broader moral frameworks prevalent during his time.
• Evaluate how Shaw's social criticism in his plays mirrors the complexities of Victorian society and its impact on gender roles.
  • Shaw's social criticism highlights the contradictions of Victorian society by exposing issues related to class, gender roles, and societal expectations. His plays often challenge traditional views of masculinity and femininity, questioning the rigid gender norms that defined relationships during this era. By using wit and satire, Shaw critiques the hypocrisy of Victorian morals while advocating for social reform and greater equality, demonstrating how his work reflects the tensions between societal values and individual desires in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of major industrialization that took place during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which transformed economies from agrarian to industrial and spurred urbanization in Britain.

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emerged in the late 18th century emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism, which also shaped the early part of the Victorian Era before transitioning into realism.

Social Darwinism: A social theory that applied Darwin's ideas of natural selection to human societies, often used in the Victorian Era to justify imperialism and social hierarchies.