1. THE VICTORIAN POETS Paradox and Progress 1832-1901

2. THE VICTORIAN POETS Period of growth and change, domestic reform lives of working class improved Reform Bill of 1832 prosperous times 1848-1870 growing literacy (compulsory education) Queen Victoria 1837-1901

3. Victorian Society Stuffy, prudish reputation (Hello, Freud! ) Elaborate code of respectability, decorum and morality Response to political turmoil of previous decades Believed life would be improved if it were more refined and rationally organized=PROGRESS Traditional gender roles Great emphasis on personal relationships (marriage)

4. Poetic concepts Realism: capture every day life focused on effects of Industrial Revolution social problems brought to public attention Psychological Realism: inner realities of the mind a blend of Romanticism and realism Naturalism: nature and society are indifferent to human suffering Loved heroic, chivalrous tales of honor reclaiming of the past

5. CENTRAL POETS Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) Charles Dickens(1812-1870) Robert Browning(1812-1889) Elizabeth Barrett Browning(1806-1861) Gerard Manley Hopkins(1844-1889) Thomas Hardy(1840-1928)