Introduction to the Victorian Age

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Introduction to the Victorian Age

• A Presentation For English 2323
• Prepared by Dr. Brenda Cornell

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Definition

• The Victorian Age in British literature, art,
  music, and culture derives its name from Queen
  Victoria, who ruled England and set its standards
  from 1839-1901.

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Quotable quote

• On a visit to London during the celebration of
  Queen Victorias 60th anniversary as queen, Mark
  Twain remarked
• British history is 2,000 years old, and yet in a
  good many ways the world has moved farther ahead
  since the Queen was born than it moved in all of
  the rest of the 2,000 put together.
• http//www.wwnorton.com/nael/victorian/welcome.htm

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Characteristics of the Period

• According to the lifestyle set by the Queen and
  her husband, Prince Albert, high morals, modesty,
  and proper decorum marked Victorian England.
• It was a time of great optimism marked by
  scientific and industrial inventions, such as
  landmark developments in printing.

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Social Consciousness

• Increased emphasis on civic and social
  responsibility brought about social reforms such
  as the abolishment of slavery in America and the
  rise of humanitarian and religious groups such as
  the Salvation Army.

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Results of the Industrial Revolution in England

• Advances in scientific knowledge
• Challenges to religious faith
• Changes in the status of women

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Effects on Victorian Literature

• Literature produced during this period reflects
  the spirit of the times
• Expansion of newspapers and periodicals led to
  ongoing debates about current political and
  social issues.
• Victorian literature (especially novels) offered
  a realistic, day-to-day portrayal of social life
  and represented these issues in the stories of
  the characters. Suddenly, the once-silent female
  segment of society raised their voices. They
  could even appear onstage, acting in dramas (a
  privilege denied to them prior to this time).

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Content of Victorian Literature

• Texts dealing with 3 controversies
• Evolution (ex., Charles Darwin)
• Industrialism (ex., Charles Dickens)
• The Woman Question (ex., George Eliot)

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The Painterly Image in Victorian Poetry

• Explores the rich connection between Victorian
  painting and the literary art. For the writers
  and thinkers of this age, the eye was regarded as
  the truest indicator of truth and beauty.
• Example Robert Brownings poem, My Last
  Duchess

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Prevalent Genres

• Lyric and epic poetry
• Drama
• Novelprevailed as the major literary form
  portrayed the various changes in Victorian
  manners and society

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Works Cited

• Abrams and others. The Norton Anthology of
  English Literature. 7th edition. NY W. W.
  Norton, 2000.
• http//www.wwnorton.com/nael/victorian/welcome.htm