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Prose in Victorian Age

Victorian prose emerged during a time of significant social, political, and technological change, characterized by the rise of the novel and the popularity of periodicals. Authors like Dickens, Eliot, and Hardy explored themes of morality, social issues, and realism, often critiquing the disparities within society. The prose of this era is marked by intricate character development and a formal, elaborate style that reflects the complexities of the time.

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29 views2 pages

Prose in Victorian Age

Victorian prose emerged during a time of significant social, political, and technological change, characterized by the rise of the novel and the popularity of periodicals. Authors like Dickens, Eliot, and Hardy explored themes of morality, social issues, and realism, often critiquing the disparities within society. The prose of this era is marked by intricate character development and a formal, elaborate style that reflects the complexities of the time.

Uploaded by

sadaf51500
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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English Essay and Prose in the Victorian Age

Victorian Age Prose


Victorian prose, reflecting the era's energetic and expansive spirit, saw the rise of the novel and the
influence of periodicals, with authors like Carlyle, Ruskin, and Arnold producing vigorous, intricate,
and vocabulary-rich prose. These authors explored social issues and realism through serial publication
in periodicals and magazines.
Victorian Era was the period of significant social, political and technological change. English prose
from this period reflects both the optimism of progress and the tensions of the era. Writers from the
Victorian era often grappled with issues of morality, industrialization, class struggles, and the role of
religion in an increasingly secular society.
Rise of Novel: The Victorian era marked a significant shift in literature, with the novel emerging as
the dominant form, surpassing other genres.
Periodicals and Serial Publication: The rise of periodicals and magazines led to the popularity of
serial publication, where novels were published in instalments, influencing both writing and reading
habits.
Social Realism and Themes: Victorian prose often engaged with social issues, exploring themes of
poverty, inequality, and the changing social landscape.
Notable characteristics of Victorian English Prose:
Moral Tone: Many Victorian authors used their works to address issues of morality and social
responsibility. They often highlighted the consequences of moral and social failings.
Realism: Authors portrayed the world as it really was, often focusing on the struggles of the working
class and the effects of industrialization.
Characterization: The Victorian novel frequently focused on deep, intricate character development,
with authors exploring the complexities of human nature.
Social Critique: Many Victorian writers critiqued the rapidly changing society, offering commentary
on the disparities between rich and poor, or the moral consequences of technological advancement.
Famous Victorian Prose Writers and Works
Charles Dickens: Known for his vivid descriptions of characters and settings, Dickens
addressed the challenges of industrialization and class disparity in works like Hard Times
and A Tale of Two Cities. His prose was often rich with emotion and social commentary.

Example passage from David Copperfield: "I am a part of all that I have met; I shall not rest
until I know the full extent of the joy and sorrow that binds all humanity."
George Eliot: A pen name for Mary Ann Evans, Eliot’s works explored psychological and
social themes, often with deep moral insight. Middlemarch is considered one of her finest
works, and her prose style is known for its intellectual rigor and emotional depth.
Example from Middlemarch: "The reward of one duty is the power to fulfil another."
Thomas Hardy: Hardy’s novels often present a fatalistic view of life, focusing on characters
trapped by circumstances beyond their control. His prose is often marked by its tragic themes and
intricate depiction of rural life.
Example from Tess of the d'Urbervilles: "The main thing in life is not to be defeated. But
sometimes, we are."
John Ruskin: A critic, social thinker, and artist, Ruskin’s prose often dealt with the arts and
the effects of industrialization. His work, The Stones of Venice, is a lengthy exploration of art,
architecture, and society.
Example from The Stones of Venice: "When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it
not be for present delight nor for present use alone."
Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Though she is often known for her poetry, Barrett Browning's
prose works also delved into issues like love, social injustice, and women’s rights. Her writing
was deeply emotional and intellectual.
Example from Aurora Leigh: "We are not all men, though we are all women in the sight of
God."
Victorian prose is a blend of narrative depth, social critique, and moral reflection, capturing the
complexity of an era in flux. The language itself was often formal and elaborate compared to modern
styles, reflecting the values and sensibilities of the time. Would you like to explore any specific works
or authors in more detail?

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