Victorian Period

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Victorian Period

Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890) is his only novel and explores the themes of moral corruption and the obsession with beauty,and the consequences of unchecked hedonism.

Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary beauty, wishes to remain forever young while his portrait ages instead of him. As he leads an increasingly depraved life, the painting becomes a reflection of his corrupted soul, leading to a tragic conclusion.

Irish playwright, poet, and writer, famous for his wit and refined style.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

The novel explores themes of duality, morality, and the dangers of repressing one's darker nature, showing that evil, once unleashed, can become impossible to control.

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), explores the theme of duality and the conflict between good and evil.

Scottish writer known for adventure and gothic novels.

Charles Dickens (Portsmouth 1812 - Highham 1870)

Dickens’ novels are defined as social or humanitarian, they had a didactic aim to make the ruling classes aware of social problems.

observation of real people.

Hard Times

Hard Times is divided in three sections: “Sowing” (semina) - Shows the reader how Mr. Gradring’s and Mr Bounderby’s children are brought up. “Reaping” (mietitura/raccolto) - Shows the effects of such education: the unhappy marriage of Louisa, Tom’s criminal life and Stephen’s rejection from Coketown. “Garnering”(guadagno) - final reflections

The Gradgrind family’s emotional suppression leads to suffering, while Sissy’s warmth brings hope.

highlights the harsh working conditions and social divisions in industrial England.

The novel criticizes a purely logical, fact-based approach to life, showing how it can lead to emotional emptiness.

1854

He published a succession of highly successful novels, usually in monthly instalments, which made him very popular

He began his career as a reporter at the House of Commons

Lower middle-class family -- His father was imprisoned due to debt -- Charles was forced to work in a factory at the age of 12

Victorian Novel

Late victorian novel reflected the moral and religious crisis of the time

Colonial Literature

Pessimistic Literature

Crime Fiction

Children’s Literature: Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Victorian novelists saw themselves as having a moral and social responsibility

The novel became the most popular form of literature, often read aloud in families as a form of entertainment.

The rise of the middle class, the growth of literacy, and the expansion of periodicals made literature widely accessible.

End of the Victorian Age (1861- 1901)

Social Darwinism, a theory that applied natural selection to human society

There was a growing pessimism

The American Civil War (1861–1865)

Boer Wars (1880-1881, 1899-1902) between british and dutch settlers in South Africa

vast empire, including Canada, India, Australia, and parts of Africa.

Frame of Mind

strong moralistm - values such as duty, hard work, respectability, and charity.

complex and contradictory period

marked by poverty, injustice, and social unrest

age of progress

Early Years (1837- 1861)

Poor and homeless individuals could seek shelter in workhouses

Population was concentrated in urban areas (slum towns) overcrowded and unhealthy

Social changes, especially benefiting the working class.

Great Reform Act of 1832 -

extended voting rights

significant political and social reforms.