Victorian Era Study Guide

What was the Victorian era?

The Victorian era (1837–1901) was a significant period in British history characterized by major political, social, and literary transformations, marked by Queen Victoria's reign. This era witnessed the rise of industrialization, expansion of the British Empire, and the flourishing of various artistic movements.

What was the significance of the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway in 1830?

The opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway marked a pivotal moment in the rise of industrialization, introducing modern transportation and facilitating the movement of goods and people, which was crucial for economic growth.

What changes did the First Reform Bill of 1832 enact?

The First Reform Bill of 1832 expanded voting rights to the middle class, allowing them greater political participation, although it still excluded working-class men and women from voting.

What was the impact of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833?

The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 abolished slavery in most parts of the British Empire, officially ending the institution, although true emancipation was not fully realized until 1838.

Why is the year 1837 important in British history?

In 1837, Queen Victoria ascended to the throne, her long reign symbolizing stability, growth, and a time of significant change in British society and the empire.

What was the message of Dickens' A Christmas Carol published in 1843?

Dickens' A Christmas Carol critiques the harsh realities of industrial society, emphasizing social reform and compassion for the poor and disenfranchised, making a case for communal responsibility.

How did the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846 affect the British populace?

The repeal of the Corn Laws removed tariffs on grain, resulting in lower food prices, which was particularly beneficial for the working poor who struggled with high food costs.

What was the significance of the establishment of the first women’s college in London in 1848?

The establishment of the first women’s college in London represented a pivotal step towards advancing women's higher education, breaking barriers for women in academic and professional fields.

What role did Alfred Lord Tennyson assume in 1850 and what were the themes of his works?

In 1850, Tennyson became the poet laureate of Britain, and his works often reflected Victorian anxieties about faith, doubt, and the human condition, particularly in pieces like In Memoriam.

What was the Great Exhibition of 1851 and its significance?

The Great Exhibition of 1851 was a world's fair held in London that showcased British industrial and imperial power, symbolizing technological progress and cultural achievements.

What was the revolutionary idea presented in Darwin’s Origin of Species published in 1859?

Darwin’s Origin of Species introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection, which challenged established religious beliefs and had a profound impact on scientific thought and literature.

What were the key changes brought by the Second Reform Bill of 1867?

The Second Reform Bill of 1867 further expanded voting rights in Britain, allowing more men, especially from the working class, to participate in the electoral process.

What was the significance of Queen Victoria's designation as Empress of India in 1877?

Queen Victoria’s designation as Empress of India in 1877 marked the peak of British imperialism, symbolizing Britain's dominance and the expanding reach of its empire.

What themes does Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explore?

Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores the duality of human nature, examining the conflict between societal expectations and repressed desires within a Gothic framework.

What does the death of Queen Victoria in 1901 symbolize?

The death of Queen Victoria in 1901 signifies the end of the Victorian era, closing a chapter of significant cultural, political, and social change in British history.

Who was Sarah Forbes Bonetta and what was her significance?

Sarah Forbes Bonetta was a West African princess who became Queen Victoria’s goddaughter, symbolizing the complex relationships formed within the British Empire.

What are the three divisions of the Church of England?

The Church of England is divided into three main groups: Evangelical (focusing on personal faith and strict moral codes), Broad Church (promoting tolerance and inclusivity), and High Church (emphasizing traditional rituals and Catholic-like practices).

What was the Oxford Movement and its impact on the Church?

The Oxford Movement, led by John Henry Newman, sought to reintroduce traditional liturgy and practices within the Church of England, emphasizing its Catholic heritage and fostering a revival of medieval religious traditions.

How did Darwin's theories influence Victorian literature and thought?

Darwin's theories undermined traditional religious beliefs, prompting writers like Matthew Arnold and Alfred Tennyson to grapple with themes of doubt and the implications of scientific discovery on morality.

What does the Doctrine of Coverture entail?

The Doctrine of Coverture was a legal principle under which a married woman’s legal identity was subsumed under that of her husband, restricting her rights to own property or engage in contracts independently.

What drove the causes of industrialization during the Victorian era?

Industrialization was fueled by the growth of factories, rapid urbanization due to workforce migration, and significant technological advancements, transforming the economic landscape.

What major issues were faced during the industrialization process?

Industrialization resulted in poor working conditions highlighted in reports like Chew’s account and others, leading to widespread pollution and a significant widening of the class divide.

How did Friedrich Engels view the impact of industrialization on workers?

Engels believed industrialization had detrimental effects on workers, harming their physical well-being and psychological health due to harsh conditions and exploitation.

What critiques did Dickens provide through works like Coketown and In Chancery?

In works like Coketown and In Chancery, Dickens criticized the dehumanizing and alienating effects of industrial society, portraying the struggles of individuals within a mechanized world.

Why did a revival of Gothic and medieval themes occur during the Victorian era?

The revival of Gothic and medieval themes arose as a reaction to the cold rationalism of industrialization, with artists and writers seeking to reconnect with human emotion, tradition, and spirituality.

What influence did the Oxford Movement have on the Gothic Revival?

The Oxford Movement played a crucial role in the Gothic Revival by promoting medieval religious traditions, inspiring artists to embrace and celebrate aesthetics rooted in the past.

Who were the Pre-Raphaelites and what were their core beliefs?

The Pre-Raphaelites, including artists like Dante Gabriel Rossetti and William Morris, rejected the mechanization of art, favoring medieval themes, emotional depth, and a return to naturalism.

What themes and issues are explored in Tennyson’s Idylls of the King and Malory’s Morte d'Arthur?

Both works utilize medieval themes to tackle contemporary social issues, exploring concepts such as love, honor, and the complexity of human experience.

Define the dramatic monologue in Victorian literature. What are its characteristics?

A dramatic monologue is a poetic form that presents a single speaker’s thoughts in a specific situation, emphasizing psychological depth and often addressing an implied audience to reveal the speaker's inner conflicts.

What significant themes are present in Browning's My Last Duchess and The Bishop Orders His Tomb?

Browning's works delve into themes of power dynamics, control over others, and self-deception, showcasing how personal desires intersect with social expectations.

What triggered Victorian doubt during this era?

Victorian doubt emerged due to scientific discoveries and historical criticisms of the Bible, leading many to question the validity of traditional religious beliefs.

How did Matthew Arnold navigate his doubts about faith?

Arnold left the Anglican Church and sought spirituality through cultural experiences, as expressed in his poem Dover Beach, which reflects his search for meaning amid uncertainty.

What was Gerard Manley Hopkins’ contribution to poetry in relation to faith?

Hopkins, who converted to Catholicism, viewed poetry as a spiritual act, with works like God's Grandeur portraying the divine within the natural world.

What themes are explored in Tennyson's In Memoriam?

In Memoriam meditates on grief, faith, and the struggle to find solace after the death of Tennyson's close friend, Arthur Hallam, reflecting on loss and the search for hope.

What is meant by the 'Woman Question' in the Victorian context?

The 'Woman Question' refers to debates on women's societal roles, rights, and equality during a time when women were seeking greater autonomy and participation in public life.

Who were key figures representing conservative views on women's roles?

Key conservative voices like Coventry Patmore and John Ruskin argued that women should play passive roles as supporters of men, echoing traditional domestic ideals.

What progressive viewpoints did figures like Nightingale and Mill offer regarding women?

Florence Nightingale and John Stuart Mill championed the intellectual capacity of women, advocating for education and rights through works like The Subjection of Women.

How does Tennyson's Lady of Shalott depict societal expectations for women?

In Lady of Shalott, Tennyson depicts an isolated woman confined to societal roles, symbolizing the constraints placed upon women in Victorian society.

What themes are explored in E.B. Browning's Aurora Leigh?

Aurora Leigh critiques traditional female roles, advocating for women’s rights and independence while emphasizing the importance of female agency in society.

What allegorical elements are present in Rossetti's Goblin Market?

Goblin Market serves as both a biblical allegory and a feminist critique, addressing themes of temptation, sisterhood, and the complexities of female relationships.

What is notable about the format of Victorian novels?

Victorian novels were often serialized and published in a triple-decker format, comprising three volumes usually meant to engage a readership over time.

What is a Bildungsroman?

A Bildungsroman is a literary genre focusing on the growth and development of a protagonist, often portraying their journey from youth to adulthood and moral education.

What are the central themes presented in A Christmas Carol?

A Christmas Carol critiques the greed and moral shortcomings of industrial society through a blend of fantasy and social realism, emphasizing transformation and redemption.

How is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde a departure from traditional Gothic literature?

Unlike traditional Gothic novels set in medieval castles, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde takes place in modern London, utilizing urban settings to explore themes of duality and repression.

What moral allegories are explored in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde presents moral allegories contrasting science and morality, civilization's restraints versus primal instincts, and the complexities of human nature.

What were the motivations behind British imperial expansion in the Victorian era?

Motivations for imperial expansion included economic gain from colonized resources, national pride, and a belief in a 'civilizing mission' for non-Western cultures.

What does the term 'White Man’s Burden' imply?

The term 'White Man’s Burden' refers to the justification of colonial rule, suggesting that it was the moral responsibility of Europeans to 'civilize' non-Western populations.

How did Thomas Macaulay advocate for education within the colonies?

Macaulay advocated for the teaching of English and Western educational values in colonies, arguing that it would elevate the colonized peoples and spread British culture.

What arguments did Joseph Chamberlain make in favor of imperial expansion?

Chamberlain defended imperial expansion as beneficial for Britain and justified the use of force in maintaining control over colonies.

What critique did Mukharji provide about British perceptions of Indians?

Mukharji challenged the prevalent British stereotypes regarding Indians, arguing against misrepresentations and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of Indian cultures.

How did Hobson critique the British Empire?

Hobson criticized the British Empire as hypocritical, pointing out the contradictions between its proclaimed ideals of civilization and the realities of colonial exploitation.

What does Aestheticism advocate in its approach to art?

Aestheticism promotes the notion that art should be appreciated for its intrinsic beauty and emotional impact, rather than for moral or social purposes.

What stance did Matthew Arnold take on the role of art in society?

Arnold believed that art should serve to morally uplift and enhance society, aligning creative expression with ethical values.

How did Walter Pater's views on art differ from those of Arnold?

Pater contended that art should focus on providing intense personal experiences, arguing for artistic appreciation independent of morality.

What famous statement did Oscar Wilde make about art?

Oscar Wilde famously stated that 'All art is quite useless,' promoting the idea that art exists independently from moral concerns or societal functions.

What topics might be explored in essays about the effects of industrialization?

Potential essay topics could address the physical, social, and psychological impacts of industrialization, drawing from the works of Engels, Dickens, and contemporary factory reports.

What themes of nostalgia might arise in Victorian literature?

Essays could explore the Victorian interest in medievalism, particularly as expressed in the writings of Tennyson, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Gothic Revival.

How do faith and doubt manifest in Victorian literature?

Comparative essays could examine how figures like Arnold, Hopkins, and Tennyson responded to rising levels of religious doubt and the challenges posed by scientific advancement.

How can the 'Woman Question' be analyzed in Victorian literature?

The 'Woman Question' topic could contrast conservative views held by figures like Ellis and Patmore with the progressive arguments forwarded by Mill, Nightingale, and E.B. Browning.

What insights can be gleaned from discussions on imperialism?

Essays could discuss the motivations, justifications, and critiques of imperialism presented by Macaulay, Chamberlain, Mukharji, and Hobson, examining its complexities and consequences.

What discussions about the purpose of art might arise in the context of Victorian society?

Potential essay topics could compare Arnold’s moralistic view of art with those of Pater and Wilde, focusing on the tension between social responsibility and artistic freedom.