The Victorian Literature.docVIP

The Victorian Literature 1832-1901 The Victorian Age refers to the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. It is considered as the height of the Industrial Revolution in Britain and the apex of the British Empire. Key Words: the Victorian Age; the Victorian novels; dramatic monologue; the rise of female writers; the characteristics of Realistic novels The Victorian Age may be subdivided into three periods: The early Victorian period ( 1832-1848), a time of social unrest. The middle-Victorian period ( 1848-1870), a period of economic prosperity and religious controversy. This time of social unrest left its mark on some early Victorian literature. The late Victorian period ( 1870-1901), a period of decay of Victorian values. In literature of the late Victorian period, melancholy was characteristic of its spirit, which was best expressed by Oscar Wilde, representative of the Aesthetic Movement. The Victorian Literature 1832-1901 Background Queen Victoria her age 1837-1901 three periods 1832-48 hard time economically politically Reform Bill 1832 The Chartist Movement 1836-48 1848-70 stability and prosperity highest international position real establishment of the British Empire Queen Victoria’s influence on social life herself: the symbol of social value --- moderation respectability her time: “the polite society 1870-1901 decline the decline of international position the rise-up of Germany and American Civil War the instability of Ireland the decline of Victorian social value increased interest in scientific knowledge Darwin: The Origin of Species 1859 a new code of life: utilitarianism --- stick to things of practical use other important British values: free competition and individualism enlarged vision and the flourish of philosophy Herbert Spencer: positivism 实证主义 The Victorian novels Whenever Victorian literature is mentioned, the brilliant achievements of the novelists come to be the first concern. Charles Dickens William Makepeace