The Victorian period, which stretched from 1832 to 1901, conjures up various images in our minds, from tight corsets to bustling streets in London and notorious figures like Jack the Ripper. This era, named after Queen Victoria, continues to fascinate readers and viewers through its literary, theatrical, and cinematic adaptations. But what sets this period apart and makes it so captivating? Let's delve into the distinct characteristics and cultural elements of the Victorian era to discover the answer.
The Victorian period was a transformative time in history, bringing about significant changes and advancements that have shaped our world today. Politically, the British Empire held vast power, with numerous colonies around the globe that resulted in increased international trade. An excellent example of this is the importation of tea from Sri Lanka and India, which became a quintessential part of British culture.
Religion played a dominant role in Victorian society, with various religious communities vying for supremacy. This led to stringent moral standards and a push for conformity, while any deviations from traditional norms were heavily frowned upon.
The concept of the family was central in Victorian culture, with strict gender roles and expectations. Women were confined to domestic tasks and had limited rights, such as inheriting property. However, education and literacy flourished during this time, and the advancement of printing technology led to the popularity of serial publications among the middle-class.
Notable progress was also made in the fields of science and medicine, but alongside this came superstitions and instances of medical malpractice, depicted in Victorian literature through themes of asylums and mistreatment of patients.
The rise in literacy during the Victorian period resulted in a surge in the popularity of literature. Children's literature and works with young protagonists became widely read, and genres such as Gothic fiction and sensation novels gained traction. The fascination with death, spirituality, and the macabre was also widespread, giving rise to iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes.
The Victorian era saw the emergence of many renowned poets, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning, and Alfred Tennyson. Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a feminist and outspoken critic of slavery, was a talented poet who rivaled Alfred Tennyson for the title of Poet Laureate. She had the opportunity to meet and learn from other esteemed poets of her time, such as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge.
The Victorian period continues to hold a fascination for us, with its diverse culture and influential literature. Through the lens of this era, we can gain valuable insight into the past world and society, and perhaps even learn something about ourselves.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a prolific poet and writer in the Victorian period, is viewed as one of its most influential figures. Not only did her works inspire other renowned writers, including Emily Dickinson and Edgar Allan Poe, but some of her most famous poems, like 'The Runaway Slave at Pilgrim's Point' (1850) and 'How do I love thee? Let me count the ways' (1850), continue to be widely read and appreciated today. Browning also wrote a critically acclaimed novel in blank verse, 'Aurora Leigh' (1857).
One distinguished honor bestowed upon poets in the Victorian era was the title of Poet Laureate, which was granted by the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom to recognize artistic excellence. Poets who held this title were often called upon to write verses promoting nationalism and patriotism. One such poet was Robert Browning, the husband of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. His works often featured dramatic monologues, creating an intimate conversation-like atmosphere. He and his wife often exchanged poems that reflected their passionate and loving relationship.
The Victorian era, lasting from 1832 to 1901, was named afterQueen Victoria, the reigning English monarch at that time. This period was marked by significant changes in society, including advancements in science and technology, religious controversies, and industrialization. However, it was also a time of great creativity and literary achievements, with many beloved and enduring works emerging.
One of the most notable writers of the Victorian period was Lewis Carroll, who introduced the world to the enchanting adventures of Alice in Wonderland. His imaginative children's stories helped popularize the genre, encouraging young readers to expand their creativity.
Along with children's literature, the Victorian period also saw a rise in sensational and Gothic fiction. Bram Stoker's iconic novel Dracula, published in 1897, set the standard for future works in these genres with its dark and eerie atmosphere.
The period also saw the emergence of many renowned poets, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Robert Browning, and Alfred Tennyson. Their works, such as 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin' (1842), 'Porphyria's Lover' (1836), 'The Laboratory' (1844), and 'Love Among Ruins' (1855), captured the essence of the era through their beautiful verses.
Not to be outdone, the Victorian period also produced some of the most iconic novelists in English literature. The Brontë sisters - Emily, Charlotte, and Anne - wrote compelling tales that combined elements of Romanticism and Gothic literature. 'Jane Eyre' (1847), 'Wuthering Heights' (1847), and 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall' (1848) are just a few examples of their timeless works that continue to captivate readers today.
Another literary giant of the Victorian period was Charles Dickens, who is considered the most influential writer of the era. In addition to masterpieces like 'The Pickwick Papers' (1836-1837), 'Hard Times' (1854), 'A Christmas Carol' (1843), and 'Oliver Twist' (1837-1839), Dickens also mentored and encouraged other writers and poets, such as Wilkie Collins. Through his poignant writings, Dickens also shed light on societal issues, including child abuse and the state of orphanages.
The Victorian period was also a time of great interest in dramas and theatre. With advancements in technology and a talented pool of actors, performances became more elaborate and visually stunning. The stage came alive with a variety of plays, including satire, farce, comedy, and musical masquerades. Renowned playwrights like George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde emerged during this period, with the latter gaining fame for his sharp wit and sarcasm. Wilde was also a key figure in the Aestheticism movement, which emphasized the aesthetic value of works of art. His most famous plays include 'The Importance of Being Earnest' (1895), 'A Woman of No Importance' (1893), and 'An Ideal Husband' (1895).
The Victorian period also saw a surge in the consumption of fictional stories, leading to an increase in literary criticism and reviews. In response, authors crafted larger-than-life characters and captivating narratives to enthrall readers. One such character that has stood the test of time is Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle, a surgeon-turned-author. The iconic detective first appeared in 'A Study in Scarlet' (1887), setting the benchmark for countless detective stories that followed.
The works of authors from the Victorian era, such as Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, remain popular and relevant in modern society. This enduring fascination with the Victorian era has also given rise to a new genre of literature known as Neo-Victorian literature, as seen in Sarah Waters' Fingersmith (2002) and Possession by A. S. Byatt (1990).
Timeframe: Spanning 69 years from 1832 to 1901, the Victorian period was a time of significant change and progress.
Influence: Scientific and technological advancements, along with shifting societal norms and values, were the defining features of the Victorian era.
Notable Authors: This period also saw the rise of renowned writers like Lewis Carroll, Bram Stoker, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Charles Dickens, and Oscar Wilde.
Impact on Literature: The Victorian era witnessed the emergence of popular genres such as children's literature, Gothic fiction, and sensational novels.
Unforgettable Characters: Some of the most beloved and timeless fictional characters were created during the Victorian period, including Sherlock Holmes, Alice from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and Count Dracula.
Despite ending over a century ago, the Victorian period continues to capture our imagination. With its blend of progress, mystery, and undeniable charm, this era remains a source of inspiration and fascination for generations to come.
