Victorian Literature

So, last week in class we were discussing Romantic Literature. This week, we are talking about something completely different.

 

Victorian Literature.

 

While Romantic texts focused more on emotions, love, nature and beauty Victorian texts focus on economy, hard work, science, religion, and struggles of everyday life.

 

Here of some key differences between Victorian literature and Romantic literature.

 

Romantic: Views nature as beautiful and harmonious

Victorian: Views nature as harsh and cruel

 

Romantic: focuses on the desire for a utopian society (perfect and beautiful)

Victorian: focuses on utilitarian society (useful, realistic)

 

Romantic: focuses on evolution of self, self-growth

Victorian: focuses on evolution of society and economy

 

If you would like a complete list of Victorian authors, visit http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/.

 

Probably the most well-known Victorian author is Oscar Wilde. You can read some of his poems here.