Victorian Era

Definition

The Victorian Era refers to the period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901 in the United Kingdom, characterized by significant social, political, and cultural changes. This time saw the rise of industrialization, urbanization, and the expansion of the British Empire, alongside evolving social norms and artistic movements. The era is notable for its emphasis on morality, propriety, and a strict social hierarchy that influenced various aspects of life, including literature and theater.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Victorian Era was marked by the expansion of the British Empire, making it one of the largest empires in history, which had global implications on politics and culture.
2. Literature during this time often reflected societal values and issues, with authors like Charles Dickens and George Eliot exploring themes of social class, morality, and human experience.
3. The period saw a strict moral code that influenced personal behavior and public life, leading to the nickname 'Victorian morality'.
4. The development of theater during the Victorian Era included a rise in popularity for melodrama and musical theater, with performances often reflecting contemporary social issues.
5. Technological advancements such as the railway system changed transportation and communication, influencing both urbanization and the themes explored in literature and theater.

Review Questions

• How did the societal values of the Victorian Era shape the themes found in realist literature?
  • The societal values of the Victorian Era were deeply rooted in morality, propriety, and social hierarchy. Realist literature reflected these values by focusing on everyday life, often depicting the struggles of different social classes. Authors like Dickens used their works to critique social injustices and highlight the harsh realities faced by many during this time, which resonated with readers who were increasingly aware of societal issues due to rapid industrialization.
• In what ways did the Victorian Era influence developments in theater, particularly regarding genre and subject matter?
  • The Victorian Era brought significant changes to theater with the rise of melodrama and musical performances that often addressed contemporary issues like class disparity and morality. The era's emphasis on emotional appeal made melodrama popular among audiences, while musical theater flourished due to technological advancements in stagecraft. These developments reflected both the escapism sought by audiences amidst societal pressures and a desire for commentary on pressing social issues.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Victorian social reforms on literature and theater beyond the era itself.
  • Victorian social reforms significantly shaped literature and theater by addressing issues such as workers' rights, women's suffrage, and education reform. Authors like George Bernard Shaw emerged from this context, using their plays to advocate for change by highlighting inequalities. This legacy continued into later literary movements as writers sought to challenge established norms and push for further reforms. The narrative techniques developed during this era also laid groundwork for modern storytelling in both literature and performance art.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of major industrialization from the late 18th to the early 19th century that transformed economies and societies, leading to urban growth and changes in labor practices.

Realism:

An artistic movement that emerged in the mid-19th century focusing on depicting everyday life and society with accuracy and without idealization.

Social Reform: The movement aimed at improving societal issues such as labor conditions, women's rights, and education during the Victorian Era.