Victorian Novels and Their Notable Authors

The Victorian Period

• Lasted from 1837 to 1901 and was a significant era for English novels
• Often referred to as the "day in the sun" of English novels

Charles Dickens

• Lived from 1812 to 1870
• First work was "Sketches by Boz", a collection of lively journalism
• "Pickwick Papers" was his first novel, which marked the beginning of his career as a novelist
• "Oliver Twist" (1837) was the first novel to focus on specific social evils
• Other notable works include "Master Humphrey's Clock", "Old Curiosity Shop", and "Nicholas Nickleby"
• "The Old Curiosity Shop" is considered an example of Dickensian sentimentality
• "Martin Chuzzlewit" is widely regarded as Dickens' greatest comedy
• "Dombey and Son", "David Copperfield", and "Bleak House" demonstrate Dickens' growing social consciousness
• "Great Expectations" is often described as a romantic autobiography
• "David Copperfield" is considered one of Dickens' masterpieces and contains many of his personal experiences
• Later works include "A Tale of Two Cities", "Our Mutual Friend", and the unfinished "The Mystery of Edwin Drood"
• Key features of Dickens' novels include:
  • Concern for social reform
  • Variety of characters and situations
  • Blending of pathos and humor
  • Clear, rapid, and workman-like writing style

Victorian Women Novelists

• The Victorian period is characterized by multifaceted novels, with contributions from both male and female novelists.

Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell

• Lived from 1816 to 1855
• Focused on social concerns in her novels
• Novels can be divided into two categories:
• Social and industrial problems, including:
• Mary Barton (1848)
• North and South
• Rural life and manners, including:
• Cranford
• Ruth
• Wives and Daughters
• Sylvia's Lovers

George Eliot

• Pen name of Mary Ann Evans
• Lived from 1819 to 1880
• Notable works include:
• Adam Bede (1859)
• The Mill on the Floss

Victorian Era

• Marked by significant social and industrial changes
• Novels of the time often reflected the realities and challenges of everyday life
• Women novelists used their unique perspectives to illuminate the complexities of the Victorian experience

Explore the Victorian period, considered the golden age of English novels, and its notable novelists who have made a lasting impact on literature. Learn about the factors that contributed to the flourishing of novels during this time.