Victorian Era Insights: Power, Society, and Culture
Britain’s Global Power in the 1800s
Britain had begun conquering many countries, like India and Ireland, which significantly increased its political influence. The Industrial Revolution was also in full swing, so the production and sale of new goods were booming, causing the economy to rise.
Queen Victoria’s Values and Her Era
The values of Queen Victoria reflected in her era include:
- Devotion to one’s duty and hard work
- Correctness and proper manners
- Nationalism
Queen Victoria’s Preparation for the Throne
I believe she was prepared to inherit the throne, mainly because she knew the shortcomings of her predecessors and worked hard to fix the broken system that had caused so many struggles in the past.
Significance of the Great Exhibition of 1851
Its purpose was to display “The Works of Industry of All Nations”.
Victorian Middle Class: Beyond Machines
The Victorian middle class employed servants to help run their lavish lifestyles.
Victorian Social Reforms: Success in Britain
I would argue it was extremely successful in improving social conditions because they took every means necessary to ensure that both adults’ and children’s lifestyles were drastically improved, from child labor laws to schools and better working conditions.
Controversial Victorian Scientific Theories
Controversial scientific theories first developed during the Victorian era include:
- The theory that Earth was much older than originally interpreted through the Bible
- The theory of evolution
Imperialism vs. “Little Englander” Viewpoint
The “Little Englander” viewpoint is based upon the thought that expansion is no longer necessary, while imperialism is the viewpoint where expansion was seen as a necessary means to gaining power.
British Citizen Reactions to Imperialism
Reactions of British citizens toward imperialism changed over time mainly because, thanks to imperialism, many colonial conflicts were arising. As the years went by, more and more citizens sided with Morris and the “Little Englander” viewpoint.
Key Figures & Events: Disraeli, Gladstone, Sepoys
Disraeli and Gladstone held opposite views on imperialism. The Sepoys were a group of rebels who took action against the British conquest, but their actions ultimately led to the British Parliament’s transfer of control from the British East India Company, leading to direct rule by the British Government. The Empress of India was a title for Queen Victoria that Disraeli persuaded her to adopt.
Early Victorian Poets: Out of Step with Their Times?
Why Victorian Middle Class Enjoyed Realism
Middle-class Victorian readers enjoyed realism because they wanted to read about people who went through the same struggles as they did and about real-life situations; in short, something that they could relate to.
Factors Behind Inferior Victorian Novels
Many inferior Victorian novels were published because the working class thoroughly enjoyed them, mainly because they told stories that, though not completely realistic, contained elements of reality, which made them somewhat relatable. Also, they cost a penny (enough said).
Psychological Realism vs. Earlier Fiction
“Three-Decker” Novels: Popularity in Victorian Times
They were novels so large that they had to be divided into three volumes. They were popular because readers had the time and attention span to read them. Often, families would read to each other and laugh at the characters’ exploits.
Role of Nonfiction in Victorian Society
Victorians were very curious about the daily changes occurring all over the world and chose to read nonfiction for pleasure.
Victorian vs. Contemporary Nonfiction
Contrasting Views in Late Victorian Times
Two contrasting views of life competed in late Victorian times: the realistic and pessimistic point of view that faced the harsh reality people were living in head-on, and the optimistic and fictional point of view which embraced fantastic, but fictional worlds.
Escapist Literature: Serious Meaning?
Yes, I believe that most, if not all, texts, regardless of how childish, fictitious, or humorous, can carry an underlying meaning that can ultimately be interpreted and understood by the reader.