Victorian Progress and Its Price: A Critical Analysis of Industrialism’s Impact
Victorian Progress and Its Price
Critical Commentary on Industrialism’s Impact
Evidence of Progress by Thomas Babington Macaulay
Background: The Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to Victorian society, with the invention of the steam engine and the development of railways leading to the growth of industrial towns and a new working class. While critics focused on the plight of workers, others, like Macaulay, celebrated the economic growth enabled by these advancements.
Purpose for Reading: To analyze Macaulay’s perspective on the statement “Progress has its price.”
The Condition of England by Thomas Carlyle
Background: In 1834, the Poor Law Amendment Act established a national system of workhouses for the poor in England. Carlyle, writing in 1843, used the workhouse system to illustrate the negative consequences of industrialism.
Purpose for Reading: To examine Carlyle’s viewpoint on the statement “Progress has its price.”
The Speeches of Winston Churchill: Inspiring a Nation in World War II
Text Analysis: Speech
Winston Churchill’s speeches, known for their powerful rhetoric and persuasive techniques, have become an important part of 20th-century literature.
Variety of Techniques:
- Rhetorical devices: Repetition, parallelism, and overstatement
- Persuasive techniques: Loaded language and emotional appeals
- Clear narrative: A compelling and easy-to-follow “story”
Reading Skill: Identifying the Main Idea
Reading Purpose: To understand how Churchill inspired the British people to fight against Nazi Germany during World War II.
Background: By May 1940, Nazi Germany had conquered much of Europe. Churchill’s radio speech on May 19 aimed to rally the British people during this critical time.