The Victorian Age (19th century)

Historical background A period of dramatic change and development. Rapid growth in population. Industrial Revolution.

Three periods of the Victorian age The early Victorian period (1830-48) First railway & first Reform parliament. The mid-Victorian period (1848-70) Prosperity, optimism and stability. The later period (1870-1901) The Woman Qustion

Early nineteenth Century (Romanticism) Society and Culture 1- “Romanticism” is a period of cultural shift from the late 18th c. to the late 19th c. 2- a shift towards democracy, individual rights and a belief in change and progress. 3- problems of social institution and focus on the inner psychological life.

Early-nineteenth century Literature. 1- Feeling and emotions replaced reason. 2- Turning away from classical themes to primitive culture; from urban societal settings to rural life; from adulthood experiences to childhood innocence. 3- Psychology and Romantic love. 4- Women writers.

Late-nineteenth century (Realism & Symbolism) Society and Culture 1- political empires broke up, power shifted to the middle class , colonialism flourished. 2- transportation and manufactories increased. 3- challenges of new social and political orders. 4- religious interest was replaced by personal spiritual, moral, or philosophical beliefs.

Late-nineteenth Century Literature 1- Realism and the truthful portrayal of contemporary life. 2- Naturalism and the emphasis on science. 3- Symbolism and the belief in the power of language and the expression of the inner self.

For further detailed information please check the following links: Victorian Literature https://ebooks.adelaide.edu.au/l/literature/victorian/ The Norton Anthology of English Literature http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/victorian/welcome.htm http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nawest/content/overview/romanticism.htm http://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nawest/content/overview/realism.htm Prepared by Dr. Mahram Turkistani