Victorian literature

Victorian literature is characterized by realism

Victorian literature is difficult to characterize since literature from this era spans a wide selection of genres and styles. One common trait is the focus on realism. 

During the Romantic period (which came before the Victorian era), literature was philosophical, abstract, and focused inwards. However, Victorian literature turned its eyes outwards and started debating real s…

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Poetry

Poetry had been the dominant genre of the Romantic era, and during most of the Victorian era poets were still seen as geniuses with something to teach the world. Many of the Victorian poets wrote about the social issues of the day, such as the role of women or imperialism. However, many also wrote longingly about the glorious past, e.g. the English Middle Ages or ancient Greece an…

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Drama

For most of the Victorian era, drama was not a popular genre, partly because acting was considered immoral by many. The majority of theater-goers belonged to the working class and lower middle class, and they wanted something entertaining such as comedies or melodramas.

One playwright, however, would …