Victorian Era Literature and Artistic Movements

The Victorian Age and the British Empire

The British Empire was expanded by force during the Victorian Age. Imperialism was often viewed as a religious duty, and religion played a major role in society. Utilitarianism was a dominant philosophy, suggesting that a system or action is good only if it is useful. The social class system remained rigid, even as the Industrial Revolution caused significant upheaval.

Impact of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution first expanded in Great Britain, leading to widespread unemployment as human labor was replaced by machines. Consequently, people were forced to migrate, and cities struggled to absorb the massive influx of new residents. In the realm of art, the period focused on:

• Classical music
• Poetry, fiction, drama, and essays
• High-quality paintings and architecture

Victorian Literature and Poetry

Poetry was considered the most important literary form. According to many critics, Victorian poetry served as a continuation of Romantic poetry. Notable authors and works from this period include Charles Dickens (David Copperfield) and Lewis Carroll.

Drama in the Victorian Age

The general consensus was that drama during this period was of low quality. While Hamlet remained the most significant of Shakespeare's plays, the era saw great expectations for the works of Dickens. The stage was dominated by low comedies and pantomimes, particularly Christmas pantomimes.

The Rise of Melodrama

Melodrama focused on the imitation of life, accompanied by songs and music. Orchestras typically utilized a consistent set of instruments:

• Piano
• Violin
• Flute

These plays often featured recurring character archetypes, such as the innocent girl and the aristocrat.

The Fin de Siècle and Social Values

The Fin de Siècle marked the beginning of a reaction against traditional Victorian values. While the era was rooted in good manners, family structures, and the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself," women held very little power. This period also saw the rise of:

Utopian and Dystopian Works

Literature began to explore the concept of the ideal place. We distinguish between Utopia (an ideal society) and Dystopia (a bad place). The concept of Utopia in this era often looked back to medieval times for inspiration.

Aesthetics and the Pursuit of Beauty

The Aesthetic movement was defined by a devotion to beauty. Here, the artist is viewed as the creator of beautiful things. While much of Victorian literature was moralizing and realistic, the Aesthetes believed that everything should be both useful and beautiful. For the artistic person, art is as vital as life itself. In this view, creating and enjoying art is more important than mere living. Art was seen as both materialistic and a source of eternal, spiritual beauty. The primary author of this movement was Oscar Wilde.

Symbolism and the Anima Mundi

Symbolism began in France, representing concepts or traits that went beyond literal translation. Symbols were intended to evoke deep emotions. This movement introduced the anima mundi, where an image generates a specific emotion and music is composed of these evocative images. W.B. Yeats stands as one of the most representative authors of this style.

Ibsenian Drama and Modern Influences

The influence of Ibsen led to more serious, socially conscious theater. Two of the most important plays associated with this shift and the era's dramatic evolution are Mrs. Warren's Profession and The Land of Heart's Desire.