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