1. The Victorian Age (19th century)

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

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. For further detailed information please check the following links:
Victorian Literature
The Norton Anthology of English Literature
Prepared by Dr. Mahram Turkistani