Victorian England

Definition

Victorian England refers to the period of British history during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, characterized by significant cultural, political, and social changes. This era is marked by the expansion of the British Empire, rapid industrialization, and a complex social structure influenced by notions of morality, class, and gender roles, which all play a crucial role in understanding literary and cultural history in comparative studies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Queen Victoria's reign marked a time when Britain became the world's foremost global power, controlling vast territories across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
2. Victorian literature often reflected societal norms and tensions, with themes of morality, class struggle, and the challenges faced by women becoming prominent in novels from this period.
3. The era saw significant advancements in science and technology, leading to changes in everyday life and contributing to the rise of new social classes.
4. Social reform movements gained momentum during this time, advocating for better working conditions, women's suffrage, and education reforms.
5. Victorian England was also known for its strict social codes and emphasis on propriety, which often led to a stark contrast between public decorum and private behavior.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence the social structure of Victorian England?
  • The Industrial Revolution drastically changed the social structure of Victorian England by creating a new working class that emerged from industrial labor. This shift led to urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities for work. The growth of factories also resulted in the rise of a middle class that gained wealth through commerce and industry. These changes created tensions between classes, influencing literature and culture by highlighting issues of inequality and labor rights.
• Analyze how Victorian literature reflected the values and conflicts of its time.
  • Victorian literature often showcased the era's values surrounding morality, family life, and gender roles while simultaneously exposing the underlying conflicts within society. Authors like Charles Dickens highlighted social injustices faced by the poor and critiqued the moral rigidity of Victorian society. Conversely, writers like Thomas Hardy examined themes of fatalism and class struggle. Through their works, these authors engaged with contemporary societal issues, allowing literature to serve as both a mirror and critique of Victorian values.
• Evaluate the impact of Victorian England's emphasis on morality on its cultural outputs during Queen Victoria's reign.
  • The emphasis on morality in Victorian England deeply influenced its cultural outputs across various forms of art, literature, and social behavior. This moralistic outlook often shaped narratives around duty, respectability, and sexual restraint while also stifling discussions around topics like sexuality and poverty. As a result, many artists and writers grappled with these restrictions—some sought to challenge or subvert societal norms through their works. This tension between morality and expression led to innovative literary techniques and themes that questioned established ideals, highlighting how cultural production was both shaped by and responded to its historical context.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: A period of major industrialization that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, transforming economies that had been based on agriculture and handicrafts into economies based on large-scale industry and factory production.

The Great Exhibition: The first world's fair held in London in 1851, showcasing the advancements of the Industrial Revolution and promoting Britain's achievements in technology and culture.

Social Darwinism: A belief that emerged in the late 19th century which applied Charles Darwin's theories of natural selection to human societies, often used to justify imperialism, social inequality, and eugenics.