D+Block+Lit+Group+1

__Literature in the Victorian Age __

__**By Jennifer Nam 10D **__
What is Victorian Literature? Who were the famous literary figures? What did they write and why are they considered significant?

As the Victorian era (1837–1901) is identified as one of the most dynamic period in British History, its literature flourished on an unprecedented scale. Oftentimes described as a linkage between the the romantic works of former century and the works of recently industrialized world, Victorian literature is distinguished by sense of virtue and oppression. It is also known for its effort to mix imagination and emotion with the neoclassical ideal that common people can access. Just like many other types of literature, Victorian literature played an important role in the political and social issues within the society. By the expansion of newspapers and the magazine and journal press and debates, citizens were able to make contact with the rest of the public. For instance, the section in The Norton Anthology of English Literature titled "Victorian Issues" includes writings concerning four controversies Victorians faced: evolution, industrialism, "The Woman Question", and the identity of Great Britain as an imperial power. Varieties of debates such as the benefits and evils of the Industrial Revolution and the role of women emerged as the British continued to broaden their global supremacy. These debates displayed a sweeping change in the society by forming a new class of migrated workers to cities in the North to obtain jobs in factories, and the growing demand for expanded liberties for women.

One of the most famous and noteworthy literary figure in Victorian era is Charles Dickens (1812-1870). Sometimes acknowledged as the ‘Shakespeare of the 19th century’, Charles Dickens used his fertile imaginations and mastery of language to write eloquent works in periodicals, magazines, newspapers, novels and short stories. He wrote stories of love, honesty, and fairness and taught the readers the negatives to greed and selfishness. The writings of Charles Dickens are considered significant because he applied the theme of social criticism to his literature and created significant and representative icons. For example, Dicken’s second novel, Oliver Twist (1839), contained his fierce analysis of poverty and social arrangement in Victorian society. Using crime and tragedy in his works revealed numerous hostile social truths. Moreover in one of the most widely read holiday novels, A Christmas Carol (1843), included characters such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Crachit and Tiny Tim who remain to be very memorable in English literature. Charles Dickens was the most popular novelist in England during the Victorian era as well as one of the most popular all time.

"Victorian Literature - Information, Facts, and Links." ENotes - Literature Study Guides, Lesson Plans, and More. Web. 11 Feb. 2010. .
 * Works Cited**

"The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Victorian Age: Introduction." Home | W. W. Norton & Company. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. .

Farrell, John P. "Studies of Victorian Literature." Instructional Technology Services. Web. 21 Feb. 2010. .

Hromatko, Wesley. "Charles Dickens." UUA Server for Other Organizations' Web Sites. Web. 22 Feb. 2010. .

Charles Dickens. Photograph. Books to the Ceiling. 14 July 2008. Web. 22 Feb. 2010. .
 * Visuals Citation**

The Victorian Press. Photograph. Magazines for Women. Web. 22 Feb. 2010. .

__Website #3__ - http://www.laits.utexas.edu/farrell/novelists/dickens/index.htm This website is has the sponsorship because it is hosted by the University of Texas at Austin. Also the website has the authorship because the author is clearly shown to be John P. Farrell who is a professor at the University of Texas since 1982. This website provides constructive information about Charles Dickens for students.
 * For Further Research**

__Website #4__ - http://www25.uua.org/uuhs/duub/articles/charlesdickens.html This website has the authorship of Welsey Hromatko who is an Unitarian Universalist minister. All materials are copyrighted by Unitarian Universalist Historical Society (UUHS) 1999-2009, which is relatively up to date. This purpose of this website is to provide dictionary definitions related to Unitarian and Universalist Biography.