Literary Analysis: Evangelicalism, Detective Fiction, and Romantic Poetry

Literary Themes and Character Analysis in English Literature

Evangelical Characters in Literature: Eliza Reed

Evangelicals were pious people, showing reverence for God and a wish to fulfill their religious obligations. It was often difficult to criticize them because they were highly intelligent and cultivated individuals. However, they were frequently considered emotionally inadequate and hypocritical because they viewed themselves as purer and morally superior to others. This behavior is notably depicted in characters like Eliza Reed in Jane Eyre.

Moreover, Evangelical characters are often presented as negative forces attempting to destroy positive elements. They are frequently portrayed as figures who inflict oppression upon children.

The Shift from Newgate to Detective Novels

Throughout the early 1830s and 1840s, there was a significant fashion for Newgate Novels (e.g., Oliver Twist). These novels typically portrayed a criminal who was defended because society itself was seen as the element that had corrupted him; criminals were products of a corrupted society. The writer often attempted to make the reader feel identified with these criminals.

Criminals: Victims of Society vs. The Enemy

However, in the mid-century, with the rise of the Detective Genre, the idea of 'the criminal as a victim of society' disappeared. Criminals were subsequently redefined and considered the enemy.

Dickens's Use of Stephen Blackpool

Charles Dickens made a public speech advocating for a solution to social conflicts, emphasizing the need for understanding and cooperation between classes. He utilized the character of Stephen Blackpool, who is highly respected among the workers, to explore these themes.

When Blackpool is asked why he decides not to cooperate with the union, he states that he has made a promise not to get into trouble, but he never fully explains his real, personal reason for this decision.

William Wordsworth: Lines Composed Above Tintern Abbey

This poem, Lines Composed a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey, belongs to William Wordsworth. It is the last poem of his first collection and is considered one of Wordsworth’s greatest achievements. It is composed in blank verse, which describes unrhymed lines written in iambic pentameter. Its style is therefore very fluid and natural.

The poem describes the power of memory and its ability to awaken sublime feelings. This work is often cited as the reason Wordsworth earned the title, "the poet of nature."

Michael: A Pastoral Poem and Critique of Industrialization

Wordsworth’s first major attempt at a pastoral poem can be seen in “Michael,” the concluding poem of Lyrical Ballads. A pastoral poem is defined as a poem set in idealized, often artificial, rural surroundings.

“Michael” begins with Wordsworth introducing us to the mystical place near Greenhead Ghyll, where Michael and his family reside. Wordsworth creates a character who has a complete understanding of nature. In the poem, Wordsworth demonstrates the negative effects of industrialization. He highlights the values of rural life and contrasts them with the perceived evils of urban life.

Key facts about Michael:

• It is a long poem in blank verse.
• It contains 490 lines divided into sixteen stanzas.
• The poem is written in the third person.
• The poet assumes the role of narrator, guiding the reader to a tragic scene and relating the tale of Michael with intense love and pure passions.