Industrial Revolution

Definition

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic and social change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urbanized societies. This transformation had profound effects on literature, particularly in how narratives reflected the complexities of modern life, class struggles, and changing societal norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain around the late 1700s and rapidly spread to Europe and North America, fundamentally altering economies and societies.
2. This period saw the rise of factories, which centralized production and drastically changed labor patterns, often leading to harsh working conditions for laborers.
3. The shift to industrialization prompted new literary forms, particularly the novel, which began to address contemporary social issues like class disparity and industrial life.
4. As cities grew due to industrialization, literature began to reflect urban life, portraying both its vibrancy and its challenges, such as poverty and alienation.
5. Authors like Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell used their works to critique the social injustices brought about by industrialization, pushing for reforms and raising awareness of the plight of workers.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence the development of prose fiction and early novel forms?
  • The Industrial Revolution significantly impacted prose fiction by introducing new themes related to industrial life, class struggles, and urban experiences. As society transformed, novelists began to incorporate these elements into their narratives, reflecting the complexities of modern existence. This shift helped shape early novel forms that prioritized realism and social commentary, paving the way for future literary developments.
• In what ways did Victorian society respond to the challenges presented by the Industrial Revolution through literature?
  • Victorian society's response to the challenges of the Industrial Revolution is evident in its literature, which often highlighted issues like social inequality, labor exploitation, and urbanization. Writers sought to raise awareness of these problems while advocating for social reform. Through their works, authors critiqued industrial society's excesses and called attention to the need for changes in labor laws and living conditions.
• Evaluate how the Brontë sisters' works reflect themes related to the Industrial Revolution and its impact on individuals and society.
  • The Brontë sisters' novels encapsulate many themes arising from the Industrial Revolution, including individual struggle against societal constraints and exploration of personal identity amid rapid change. Their characters often face dilemmas tied to class structure and gender roles within an industrialized context. By weaving these elements into their narratives, they not only portrayed the emotional depth of their characters but also commented on broader societal issues brought forth by industrialization.

Related terms

Urbanization:

The process by which rural areas become urban centers, leading to an increase in city populations as people move in search of jobs and better living conditions.

Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private ownership of the means of production, where profit is driven by competition in a market economy.

Social Reform: Efforts aimed at improving societal issues, such as labor conditions, education, and women's rights, often spurred by the inequalities exposed during the Industrial Revolution.