305. DSC 201- 3:3- Victorianism (1)

Victorianism in English literature refers to the works produced during the reign of Queen Victoria (1832/37–1901), a period marked by significant social, political, and cultural change. Victorian writers reacted against the Romantics by moving away from what may be considered individual subjectivity toward a more objective stance. While the Romantics alluded to Greek and Roman mythology and art, the Victorians added Greek and Roman classics, especially in terms of structure, subject, and character expression. Rather than the Romantic emphasis on the individual, the Victorians embraced social responsibility, engaging with the people, problems, and ideas of their time. Victorian objectivity shaped their emphasis on action over introspection and overelaboration of feeling. Their critical theory produced dramatic poems rather than the Romantic lyric.

The Victorian era saw the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the British Empire, as well as shifts in class structure, gender roles, and religious beliefs. Victorian literature reflects these changes, often grappling with the complexities of progress, morality, and the human condition. It is often called the “Age of Faith and Doubt” due to the conflicting beliefs and ideologies that dominated the era.

Realism and Social Commentary in Victorian Prose:

One of the defining characteristics of Victorian literature is its emphasis on realism. Writers sought to represent everyday life with accuracy, focusing on the lives of ordinary people and addressing the social issues of the time. Industrialization had led to stark inequalities, and authors used their work to highlight the struggles of the poor, the working class, and women. Charles Dickens is perhaps the most famous example of this, using novels like Oliver Twist (1837-1839) and Hard Times (1854) to expose the harsh realities of poverty, child labor, and the dehumanizing effects of industrial society.

Elizabeth Gaskell also contributed to this social realism, with works like Mary Barton (1848) and North and South (1854-1855), which examine class conflict and the lives of industrial workers in Northern England. These novels often reflect a moral purpose, seeking to raise awareness and inspire reform.

George Eliot (pseudonym for Mary Ann Evans) - author of Adam Bede (1859,) The Mill on the Floss (1860), and Middlemarch (1871-1872).

The Rise of the Middle Class: The middle class expanded because of the rise of industries and trade during this period. They gained power in society. Their values, such as hard work, saving money, and maintaining respectability, became very important. These ideas are often seen in George Eliot and Charlotte Brontë.

The Role of Women:

Victorian literature also delved into questions of gender, particularly the roles and rights of women. The "Woman Question" was a significant issue during this time, with debates about women's place in society, education, and work. The Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—addressed these themes in their novels. Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1847) is a pioneering work in this regard, portraying a strong, independent female protagonist who defies the traditional roles expected of women.

Similarly, George Eliot (the pen name of Mary Ann Evans) wrote novels such as Middlemarch (1871-1872), which explores the intellectual and emotional struggles of women in a patriarchal society, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and moral development.

Morality and Religion:

Victorian literature is also known for its preoccupation with morality, often exploring the tension between religious faith and scientific progress. Many writers, like Thomas Hardy, questioned traditional Christian beliefs, as seen in his novel Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891), which critiques Victorian social norms and the moral hypocrisy of society. The period also witnessed the conflict between faith and science, particularly after the publication of Charles Darwin's On the Origin of Species (1859), which challenged established religious views.

Literature of this age tends to depict daily life. It reflected the practical problems and interests of daily life. Victorian literature often presented varied social classes of people rather than just the aristocracy. This made it more popular among the middle classes.

Victorian literature often had a moral purpose and tended to deviate from the earlier concept of art for arts sake. Victorians wanted their art to do more than just appease the senses; they wanted it to serve a purpose, often a moral or a political one.

Doubt and Pessimism:

The Victorian era tended to be an era of doubt and pessimism. The influence of science is felt here as scientific advances led people to feel uncertain about the future. The second half of the Victorian era is influenced by Charles Darwin's theory of evolution.

Social Reform Movements: Many social reform movements started in the Victorian Age. These movements fought for workers’ rights, women’s right to vote, and the end of slavery. People wanted fairness and justice in a rapidly changing society.

Books:

Books of the Victorian era were characterized by things both practical and materialistic. Most of the writers exalted a purely ideal life.

Scientific and Technological Advancements: The Victorian Age saw many scientific discoveries, especially in areas like geology, biology, and astronomy. These discoveries made people question long-held religious beliefs about the Earth and humanity and made many people uncertain about traditional ideas.

Realism in Literature: Novels became very popular during this time, and writers used them to show the real issues of life in a changing world. Authors like Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, and George Eliot wrote about class struggles, gender roles, and human challenges. Literature became a way to talk about social problems and the moral issues of the time.

Conclusion

Victorian literature is characterized by its focus on realism, social reform, morality, and the changing roles of women. Through the works of authors like Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, the Brontës, and George Eliot, the period reflects a deep engagement with the social, political, and moral issues of the time, offering insights into the challenges and contradictions of a rapidly changing world.