9.3 The changing face of the Victorian novel

Victorian novels evolved, embracing realism and psychological depth. Authors delved into characters' minds, creating relatable stories that reflected society's complexities. Social criticism became a powerful tool, exposing issues like poverty and inequality.

New genres emerged, challenging norms. New Woman fiction featured independent heroines, while sensation novels thrilled readers with scandalous plots. Fin de siècle literature explored decadence and moral decay as the century drew to a close.

Realism and Social Themes

Realism and Psychological Depth in Victorian Novels

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• Victorian novels increasingly focused on realism, depicting the world and characters in a more true-to-life manner rather than romanticized or idealized portrayals
• Authors delved into the psychological depth of their characters, exploring their inner thoughts, motivations, and complex emotions
• This psychological realism allowed for a more nuanced and multifaceted representation of characters, showcasing their internal struggles and growth throughout the narrative
• The emphasis on realism and psychological depth led to novels that were more relatable and engaging for readers, as they could see aspects of themselves and their own experiences reflected in the characters

Social Criticism and Commentary in Victorian Literature

• Victorian novels often served as vehicles for social criticism, highlighting and critiquing various aspects of society and its norms
• Authors used their works to shed light on social issues such as poverty, class inequality, gender roles, and the limitations placed on individuals by societal expectations
• Through their narratives, novelists exposed the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups and challenged the status quo, encouraging readers to question and reevaluate the world around them
• Social criticism in Victorian literature aimed to raise awareness, spark discussions, and ultimately contribute to social reform and progress
• Examples of novels with strong social themes include Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" (poverty and the workhouse system) and Elizabeth Gaskell's "North and South" (industrialization and class divisions)

Novel Forms and Publication

Serialization and Its Impact on Victorian Literature

• Many Victorian novels were initially published in a serialized format, with chapters or installments released periodically in magazines or newspapers
• Serialization allowed authors to maintain reader engagement and anticipation, as audiences eagerly awaited the next installment of their favorite stories
• The serialized format also influenced the structure and pacing of novels, with authors often ending each installment on a cliffhanger to encourage readers to purchase the next issue
• Serialization made literature more accessible to a wider audience, as people could afford to buy individual installments rather than expensive bound volumes
• The success of serialized novels led to the rise of popular literary magazines such as "The Strand" and "Household Words"

The Three-Volume Novel as a Publishing Standard

• The three-volume novel, often referred to as the "triple-decker," became the standard format for publishing novels in the Victorian era
• Novels were divided into three separate volumes, each typically containing a distinct part of the narrative arc (introduction, complication, resolution)
• The three-volume format was favored by lending libraries, as they could charge higher subscription fees for these lengthier works
• Authors were often pressured to conform to the three-volume format, which sometimes led to padding or stretching of the narrative to fill the required page count
• The three-volume novel remained the dominant publishing format until the 1890s when cheaper, single-volume editions gained popularity

Emerging Genres

The Rise of New Woman Fiction

• New Woman fiction emerged in the late Victorian period, featuring strong, independent female characters who challenged traditional gender roles and societal expectations
• These novels often depicted women pursuing education, careers, and personal fulfillment beyond the domestic sphere
• New Woman fiction explored themes of female autonomy, sexuality, and the struggle for gender equality
• Authors such as Sarah Grand, Mona Caird, and Olive Schreiner were prominent figures in the New Woman literary movement
• Examples of New Woman novels include "The Heavenly Twins" by Sarah Grand and "The Story of an African Farm" by Olive Schreiner

Sensation Novels and Gothic Elements

• Sensation novels, which gained popularity in the 1860s, were characterized by their thrilling plots, scandalous content, and exploration of taboo subjects
• These novels often featured crime, mystery, and shocking twists, designed to keep readers in a state of heightened excitement and anticipation
• Gothic elements, such as dark secrets, supernatural occurrences, and eerie atmospheres, were frequently incorporated into sensation novels
• Wilkie Collins' "The Woman in White" and Mary Elizabeth Braddon's "Lady Audley's Secret" are notable examples of sensation novels that blend mystery and gothic themes

Fin de Siècle Literature and Decadence

• Fin de siècle, meaning "end of the century," refers to the literary and artistic movements of the late 19th century, characterized by a sense of decline, pessimism, and cultural upheaval
• Fin de siècle literature often explored themes of decadence, moral decay, and the rejection of traditional values
• Authors such as Oscar Wilde and Arthur Machen were associated with the decadent movement, which emphasized aestheticism, sensuality, and the pursuit of beauty and pleasure
• Wilde's novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a prime example of fin de siècle literature, delving into themes of hedonism, corruption, and the consequences of living a life devoted to pleasure