Overview of the Victorian Era

Oct 10, 2024

Victorian Era Overview

Introduction

  • Coronation of Queen Victoria (1838) marks the beginning of the Victorian era.
  • Significant advancements in medical, scientific, and technological spheres.
  • Population growth and urban development.

Expansion of the British Empire

  • Height of the British Empire included territories like:
    • India
    • Canada
    • Australia
    • New Zealand
    • Parts of Africa
    • Caribbean
  • Britain dominated one-third of the world’s financial and commercial transactions.
  • Main rivals: Germany and the United States (post-Civil War).

Key Developments in Infrastructure

  • Crystal Palace built for the Great Exhibition (1851) – an engineering marvel.
  • Extensive railway coverage by 1848.
  • First postbox pillar installed by Royal Mail in 1852 (Jersey), expanded to mainland in 1853.

Influence of the English Language

  • English spread globally due to the British Empire.
  • Development of local variations and accents:
    • Numerous new words introduced from different cultures (e.g., barbecue, chocolate, moccasin).

Literature in the Victorian Era

Rise of the Novel

  • Novels became the most popular literary genre.
  • Stories often read aloud in families or groups.
  • Need to avoid embarrassing topics, especially for women and children.

Notable Authors

  • BrontĂ« Sisters: Charlotte, Emily, and Anne influenced by evening readings.
    • Published Works (1847):
      • Wuthering Heights (Emily)
      • Jane Eyre (Charlotte)
      • Agnes Grey (Anne)
    • Jane Eyre aligned with contemporary values, while Wuthering Heights appreciated posthumously.

Children's Literature

  • Significant focus on children's literature for education.
  • Gender-specific themes:
    • Girls: roles as wives and mothers, family life.
    • Boys: adventures, military recruitments.

Serialization of Novels

  • Novels published in magazines/newspapers, akin to TV series today.
  • Interaction with readers (letters influencing storylines).
  • Charles Dickens often published in this format.

Social Issues in Literature

  • Authors highlighted social issues arising from the Industrial Revolution:
    • Urban poverty increased due to population density.
    • Poor Law of 1834 created harsh conditions for the poor.
  • Charles Dickens as a representative author:
    • Addressed class conflicts and societal issues.
    • Notable works include:
      • David Copperfield (childhood and growing up)
      • Oliver Twist (orphan’s journey from workhouse to crime)
      • Dombey and Son (themes of love)
      • Bleak House (justice system’s flaws)

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