The Victorian Age (Part 1) PDF

The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research University Echahid Hamma Lakhdar, El Oued Faculty of Arts and Languages Department of English Language and Literature...

The People's Democratic Republic of Algeria Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research University Echahid Hamma Lakhdar, El Oued Faculty of Arts and Languages Department of English Language and Literature Course of: Civilisations of the Target Language Pedagogical Printed Material for Second-Year License Students (L2) First Semester English Language Major Prepared by: Dr. TAMMA. S Academic Year 2024/2025  The Third Handout: The Victorian Age (Part 01) The Victorian Era: A Time of Transformation  Time Period: Queen Victoria’s reign lasted from 1837 until her death in 1901. This period is known as the Victorian Era and was marked by significant social, political, and cultural changes. An Overview of Queen Victoria 1. Birth and Early Years  Born: May 24th, 1819, at Kensington Palace, London.  Upbringing: Victoria was raised under the Kensington System, a strict set of rules designed by her mother, Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and her advisor, Sir John Conroy, to ensure the young princess’s complete obedience. She was isolated from other members of the royal family and carefully controlled in her education, which was intended to prepare her for the throne. 2. Becoming Queen  Accession to the Throne: On June 20th, 1837, Victoria became Queen of Great Britain and Ireland following the death of her uncle, King William IV, who had no legitimate heirs. At just 18 years old, Victoria was thrust into leadership and represented a new, youthful era for the monarchy.  The Victorian Era: Her accession marked the start of the Victorian Era, which became known for profound social, industrial, and cultural changes. The era saw the expansion of the British Empire, significant advancements in science and technology, and the development of modern urban life. 1 3. Marriage to Prince Albert  First Meeting: Victoria and Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha met in 1836 when Albert visited England with his brother, Ernest. Victoria quickly developed a strong affection for Albert, and after months of courtship, she proposed to him in 1839.  Marriage: Victoria married Prince Albert on February 10th, 1840. Their marriage was not only a personal partnership but also a political one, as Albert became a trusted advisor and contributed significantly to the monarchy’s influence. 4. Albert’s Role in Her Reign  Key Advisor: Prince Albert played an instrumental role in shaping the British monarchy’s future. His contributions ranged from cultural to scientific advancements. He encouraged modernization and reform, including the promotion of education and the arts.  The Great Exhibition of 1851: Albert played a central role in organizing the Great Exhibition, which was held in London to display Britain’s technological and industrial innovations. The success of the event further strengthened the royal family’s connection to the nation’s progress. 5. Children and Legacy  Nine Children: Victoria and Albert had nine children, including Edward VII, who would later succeed Victoria as King of the United Kingdom. Their children married into various European royal families, earning Victoria the nickname "The Grandmother of Europe."  Legacy: Queen Victoria’s descendants became part of the royal families of Spain, Germany, Russia, and Scandinavia, linking her to nearly every monarch in Europe. This network of marriages helped influence European diplomacy and maintain a degree of unity among European royal families. 2 6. Prolonged Mourning After Albert’s Death  Death of Prince Albert: Prince Albert passed away on December 14th, 1861, likely due to typhoid fever. His death devastated Victoria, and she entered a period of deep mourning, which lasted for the rest of her life.  Wearing Black: In a sign of her grief, Victoria wore black for the rest of her life and withdrew from public appearances. Her mourning was so deep that it affected her interactions with both the public and her court. 7. The Queen’s Titles and Empire Expansion  Empress of India: On May 1st, 1876, Victoria was declared Empress of India, solidifying British control over the subcontinent and symbolizing the height of British imperial dominance.  Expansion of the British Empire: Under Victoria’s reign, the British Empire expanded significantly, becoming the largest empire in history. By the end of her reign, it spanned across Africa, Asia, Australia, and much of the Pacific. The Empire’s expansion was driven by industrialization, the desire for new markets, and imperial ambition. 8. Victoria’s Death and End of an Era  Death: Queen Victoria passed away on January 22nd, 1901, at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Her death marked the end of the Victorian Era, which was characterized by progress and challenges in nearly every field.  End of an Era: The death of Queen Victoria symbolized the close of a transformative period for Britain and the world. The Edwardian Era began with the accession of her son, King Edward VII, ushering in a new chapter of British history. Continued 3  The Characteristics of the Victorian Age (Part 02) 1. Education: Question: How did education evolve during the Victorian era? The Elementary Education Act of 1870 marked a turning point in Victorian education, making schooling compulsory for children aged 5 to 12 years old. However, this education was not free—families had to pay fees, which excluded many children from poorer families. The curriculum focused on the "Three Rs": Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic (calculation). Education for women became common but stayed basic. Their studies were limited to domestic skills like needlework and moral instruction, reflecting societal expectations of their roles. At that time, society believed that a woman's primary role was to care for the home and family. Therefore, the education provided to women focused on skills that would help them fulfill these traditional roles. 2. Politics: Question: What characterized the political system and reforms of the Victorian era? The Victorian political system was a constitutional monarchy, where Queen Victoria held symbolic power while Parliament managed legislative decisions. This balance allowed for gradual political evolution rather than revolution. Significant reforms during this era reflected the need for social and political progress. The Elementary Education Act (1870) improved literacy rates, preparing citizens for more active participation in society. Meanwhile, the Reform Act of 1832 expanded voting rights to include a larger portion of the middle class, laying the groundwork for more inclusive governance. 3. Economy: Question: How did the Industrial Revolution impact Victorian society? The Industrial Revolution reshaped the Victorian economy, driving urbanization, factory growth, and international trade. Britain became the world's 4 industrial powerhouse, with technological innovations fueling rapid economic expansion. Despite this growth, economic disparities were stark. The middle class flourished, gaining wealth and influence, while the working class toiled in poor conditions. Long hours, low wages, and unsafe workplaces. 4. Literature: Question: How did Victorian literature reflect societal issues? Victorian literature shifted towards realism, portraying the struggles of everyday life and addressing pressing social concerns. Writers used their works to highlight injustices and evoke empathy, bridging the gap between art and advocacy. A prominent figure of this period, Charles Dickens, used his novels to shed light on societal issues. In Oliver Twist (1837-1839), Dickens vividly depicted the harsh realities of child labor, orphans, and the workhouse system. His work inspired readers to confront these injustices and consider the need for reform. Continued The Influence of the Victorian Era on the English Language (Part 03) 1. Levels of Speech: Question: How did the Victorian era influence different levels of speech, such as formal, informal, and slang? During the Victorian era, the English language saw notable shifts in how people communicated based on social class and context. This period influenced formal and informal speech as well as the rise of slang terms, each serving different social functions. a) Formal Speech: This level of speech was used in professional settings, formal writing, and polite conversations. The Victorian upper classes, as well as academics and politicians. 5  They adhered to a rigorous use of grammar and proper vocabulary. Sentences were often long, complex, and precise, reflecting the social norms of the time, which emphasized respectability. Example: “I am most grateful for your kind attention to this matter, and I look forward to further correspondence on the subject.” b) Informal Speech: Used by individuals in more casual settings like home life, among friends and families, or in less formal workplaces. Informal speech saw the use of simple sentence structures and more familiar vocabulary. Example: “I’m just popping over to the shop for a quick errand.” c) Slang: Slang was widely used by the working class and often carried a sense of rebellion or humor. The rise of the working class and the increase in urbanization also led to the emergence of new slang to describe everyday life in industrial cities. In the Victorian era, slang was often referred to as "street language" and was closely associated with poverty and crime. Example: "Bob's your uncle" (meaning "it's easy"), or “lark” (meaning a joke or fun). 2. Expansion of Vocabulary: Question: In what ways did the Industrial Revolution and colonial expansion impact the English language? The Industrial Revolution and colonial expansion significantly influenced the development of the English language by introducing new terms and ideas related to technology, science, and global interaction. a) Industrial Revolution: The explosion of new technologies, machines, and industries required a whole new lexicon. Words were linked to new inventions and industries and became as a part of everyday language. 6  Example: Words like "engineer," "factory," and "electricity" became part of everyday language as they were linked to new inventions and industries that were transforming society. b) Colonial Influence: As Britain expanded its empire during the Victorian era, English absorbed numerous words from a variety of languages. The British Empire’s reach meant that new foods, customs, and materials were introduced to English speakers. These terms became part of the language as England’s global influence grew. Example: "Banana" (from Wolof): The word "banana" comes from the West African language Wolof and was adopted into English during the colonial trade era, passed through Portuguese and Spanish. "Robot" (from Czech): It gained widespread use in English during the Victorian era, influenced by industrialization. "Safari" (from Swahili): A word meaning "journey," adopted into English as the British Empire expanded into Africa. 3. Publication of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) Question: Why was the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary significant during the Victorian era? One of the most significant milestones in the history of the English language during the Victorian era was the publication of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). The OED was first published in parts starting in 1884, with its full version completed later in the early 20th century. This dictionary aimed to document the history and evolution of English words, providing their meanings, etymologies, and usage. The OED played a crucial role in standardizing the English language, preserving its rich vocabulary, and ensuring consistency in spelling and usage. It helped track the development of new words born out of industrialization and colonization, as well as the growing use of slang and informal speech. 7  References: Journal of British History (2006). "Victorian Imperialism and Its Impact". Journal of British History, 29(1), 55-72. Journal of Historical Linguistics (2004). "The Rise of Slang in Victorian Britain". Journal of Historical Linguistics, 5(3), 215-230. Journal of Victorian Studies (2003). "Education and Reform in Victorian Britain". Journal of Victorian Studies, 10(2), 124-139. The Oxford Companion to British History (2002). “The Victorian Era and Its Legacy”. Oxford University Press. Victorian Studies Journal (2005). "Colonial Expansion and Its Linguistic Legacy". Victorian Studies Journal, 12(4), 310-325. 8