Victorian Age in English Literature || Movements || Characteristics || Genres || Writers & Works

The Victorian era in English literature was a time of great change and innovation, marked by the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. This period saw the rise of the novel as the dominant literary form and the emergence of a number of important literary movements, including Pre-Raphaelitism, Realism, and Aestheticism.


3. Interest in Science and Technology: The Victorian period was marked by significant advancements in science and technology.
5. Rise of the Female Writer: The Victorian period saw a rise in the number of female writers, who challenged traditional gender roles and explored the position of women in society. The Bronte sisters, Elizabeth Gaskell, and George Eliot were among the most prominent female writers of the time.
6. Serial Publication: Many novels during the Victorian period were published in serial form, with readers eagerly anticipating each new installment. This allowed writers to explore longer, more complex plots and characters over a longer period of time.
7. Children's Literature: The Victorian period saw the emergence of children's literature as a distinct genre. Works such as Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and J.M. Barrie's "Peter Pan" continue to be beloved by children and adults alike.
8. Detective Fiction: The Victorian period also saw the rise of detective fiction, with the creation of iconic detectives such as Sherlock Holmes. Arthur Conan Doyle's stories featuring Holmes were immensely popular during this time period.
9. Historical Fiction: The Victorian period saw a renewed interest in history, and this was reflected in literature as well. Historical novels such as Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" and Charles Kingsley's "Westward Ho!" explored the past in vivid detail.
10. Poetry: While the novel was the dominant literary form, poetry continued to be an important genre during the Victorian Age. Poets such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning explored themes such as love, death, and spirituality in their work.
Let’s discuss some of the most influential Victorian writers and their notable works:
1. Charles Dickens (1812-1870) - Dickens is one of the most popular and celebrated Victorian writers, known for his insightful social commentary and memorable characters. Some of his most famous works include "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," "Great Expectations," and "A Tale of Two Cities."
2. Charlotte Bronte (1816-1855) - Bronte is best known for her novel "Jane Eyre," which tells the story of a governess who falls in love with her employer. Bronte's writing was notable for its strong female characters and exploration of class and gender roles.
3. Emily Bronte (1818-1848) - Emily Bronte is the author of the Gothic masterpiece "Wuthering Heights," which tells the story of the passionate and destructive love between Heathcliff and Catherine. The novel was considered scandalous at the time of its publication due to its dark and violent themes.
4. Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) - Tennyson was the Poet Laureate of England for over 40 years and is known for his evocative and musical poetry. Some of his most famous works include "The Charge of the Light Brigade," "In Memoriam A.H.H.," and "Idylls of the King."
5. Robert Browning (1812-1889) - Browning is known for his dramatic monologues, which explore the psychology of his characters in depth. Some of his notable works include "My Last Duchess," "The Pied Piper of Hamelin," and "The Ring and the Book."
6. Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) - Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a prolific poet who is best known for her collection "Sonnets from the Portuguese," which includes the famous love sonnet "How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways." Her poetry also explored themes of social justice and women's rights.
7. Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) - Wilde was known for his wit and flamboyant personality as well as his groundbreaking plays and novels. Some of his most famous works include the play "The Importance of Being Earnest," the novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray," and the essay "The Soul of Man under Socialism."
8. George Eliot (1819-1880) - George Eliot was the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, a writer who explored social and psychological themes in her novels. Her notable works include "Middlemarch," "The Mill on the Floss," and "Silas Marner."
9. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) - Hardy was a novelist and poet who is known for his bleak and realistic portrayal of life in rural England. His notable works include the novels "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," "Jude the Obscure," and "Far from the Madding Crowd."
10. Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) - Carroll was a writer and mathematician who is best known for his children's book "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." The book has become a classic of children's literature and has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions.

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