Victorian Era

Definition

The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, characterized by significant industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military changes in the United Kingdom. This era is often associated with a strict moral code and a focus on family values, as well as the flourishing of literature that drew upon medieval themes, reflecting a fascination with the past.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era was marked by rapid industrialization, leading to urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities for work in factories.
2. This period saw the rise of a middle class that influenced cultural norms and values, including expectations around propriety and morality.
3. Literature during the Victorian Era often explored themes of social reform, gender roles, and class struggles, with authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot becoming prominent.
4. The fascination with medievalism led to a resurgence in interest in chivalric ideals and romanticized views of the Middle Ages, influencing art, architecture, and literature.
5. The Victorian Era also witnessed significant advancements in science and technology, including Darwin's theory of evolution, which challenged traditional views on creation and humanity's place in the world.

Review Questions

• How did the Victorian Era's social structures influence the themes present in its literature?
  • The social structures of the Victorian Era greatly influenced literature by introducing themes related to class struggles, gender roles, and moral dilemmas. As a burgeoning middle class emerged, writers such as Charles Dickens portrayed the struggles of the working class while also critiquing societal norms. The strict moral code of the time pushed authors to reflect on issues such as women's rights and poverty, leading to literature that was not only entertaining but also served as a vehicle for social commentary.
• In what ways did medievalism manifest in Victorian literature and culture?
  • Medievalism in Victorian literature often manifested through themes of chivalry, romanticism, and nostalgia for a perceived simpler time. Authors like Alfred Lord Tennyson incorporated medieval legends into their works, while artists drew inspiration from medieval styles in their paintings and architecture. This fascination with the Middle Ages also aligned with broader cultural movements that sought to elevate traditional values against the backdrop of rapid industrial change.
• Evaluate how the technological advancements during the Victorian Era impacted its literature and art movements.
  • The technological advancements during the Victorian Era had profound effects on both literature and art movements. The Industrial Revolution not only transformed society but also influenced writers and artists to grapple with themes of progress and its consequences. For instance, as new printing techniques made books more accessible, authors could reach wider audiences, which encouraged diverse voices. Similarly, the Aesthetic Movement emerged as a reaction against industrialization by promoting beauty over utility, emphasizing a shift in how art was perceived amidst changing societal landscapes.

Related terms

Romanticism: An artistic and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism, often reacting against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Industrial Revolution: A period of rapid industrial growth and technological advancement during the late 18th and 19th centuries that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, affecting social structures and living conditions.

Aesthetic Movement: A late 19th-century art movement that advocated for 'art for art's sake,' emphasizing beauty over moral or political themes, often in response to the industrial and social changes of the Victorian era.