The Dawn of the Victorian Age and Oliver Twist
The Victorian Age, named after Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), was a period of significant social and economic change in England. This era saw the implementation of the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which reformed the system of poor relief and established workhouses.
Definition: Workhouses were institutions where the poor received basic accommodation and food in exchange for labor. They were designed to discourage people from relying on public assistance.
The conditions in workhouses were often deplorable, characterized by:
- Forced separation of families
- Mandatory uniforms
- Harsh labor requirements
- Malnutrition and poor living conditions
Highlight: Charles Dickens, one of the most famous novelists of the Victorian era, used his work "Oliver Twist" to expose the grim realities faced by children in these workhouses.
A Complex Age
The Victorian Age was marked by stark contrasts:
- Progress and reforms coexisted with poverty and injustice
- Modernity was celebrated alongside a revival of Gothic and Classical art styles
- Religion played a crucial role in public life and charitable efforts
Example: The Victorian era saw significant technological advancements like the steam engine and telegraph, while simultaneously grappling with issues of child labor and urban poverty.
Victorian Literature
During this period, literature, especially poetry and novels, evolved to reflect social realities:
- Poets were viewed as prophets and philosophers
- The dramatic monologue emerged as a popular poetic form
- Novels were often published in serialized form in periodicals
Vocabulary: A dramatic monologue is a type of poem where a single character speaks to one or more listeners, revealing their personality and perspective.
The Victorian Novel
Key characteristics of Victorian novels include:
- Serialized publication in periodicals
- Omniscient narrators
- Chronological storytelling
- Urban settings
Quote: "The novelist described society as they saw it." This approach allowed Victorian authors to provide social commentary through their works.