Victorian England

Definition

Victorian England refers to the period of British history during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. This era was marked by significant industrial, cultural, political, and scientific changes, creating a society characterized by strict social norms and a burgeoning middle class. The literature from this period often reflects the complexities of social issues, morality, and human relationships, which are vividly portrayed in various works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian England saw a significant expansion of the British Empire, making it one of the largest empires in history, which influenced global trade and culture.
2. During this time, there were strict social codes regarding class distinctions, gender roles, and morality, which shaped literature and societal interactions.
3. The era also witnessed major advancements in science and technology, including figures like Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, which challenged traditional beliefs.
4. Literature flourished during Victorian England with authors like Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters exploring themes of social justice, love, and personal struggle.
5. The period was marked by social reforms addressing issues such as child labor, education, and women's rights, reflecting a growing awareness of social inequalities.

Review Questions

• How did the social norms of Victorian England influence the character development in literature from this period?
  • Social norms in Victorian England played a crucial role in shaping character development in literature. Authors often created characters that navigated strict moral expectations and societal roles, leading to internal conflicts and growth. For example, in works like 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights,' protagonists grapple with issues of class disparity and gender roles while striving for personal identity and fulfillment within a repressive society.
• Discuss how the Industrial Revolution impacted the themes present in Victorian literature.
  • The Industrial Revolution drastically altered life in Victorian England, introducing themes of class struggle, urbanization, and the human condition into literature. Authors used their works to critique the harsh realities faced by the working class amid rapid industrialization. These themes are evident in novels that depict the challenges of poverty and labor exploitation while exploring how technological advancements affected personal relationships and societal values.
• Evaluate the significance of Victorian England's cultural shifts on contemporary views about gender roles as reflected in literary works.
  • The cultural shifts during Victorian England had a lasting impact on contemporary views about gender roles. Literature from this era often reflected and questioned traditional gender expectations. Characters like Jane Eyre broke societal norms by seeking independence and challenging patriarchal authority. This literary exploration laid the groundwork for later feminist movements, encouraging readers to reconsider women's rights and roles within society. As such, these narratives from Victorian literature resonate with ongoing discussions about gender equality today.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: The transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the United States from the late 18th century to the early 19th century, leading to urbanization and changes in society.

Social Darwinism: A theory that applied the concept of natural selection to human societies, justifying social inequality as a 'natural' outcome of competition among social classes.

The Great Exhibition: Held in 1851 at the Crystal Palace in London, it showcased the industrial achievements of Britain and represented Victorian values of progress and innovation.