victorian era test
Part 1: Literary Works
Barrett Browning, “Cry of the Children”
Summary: This poem expresses empathy for the plight of child laborers in Victorian England. Elizabeth Barrett Browning highlights the physical and emotional suffering of young children who are forced to work in harsh conditions, deprived of a proper childhood.
Who: The children laboring in mines and factories, representing the exploited working-class youth.
When: Victorian era, as industrialization was at its peak.
Where: Industrial areas of England.
What: A protest against child labor, exposing the conditions that young workers endured and criticizing society’s failure to protect its most vulnerable members.
Tennyson, “The Charge of the Light Brigade”
Summary: This poem commemorates the bravery of British soldiers in the Crimean War as they followed orders, even when it led them into certain death. Tennyson portrays the soldiers’ courage and patriotism while subtly questioning the futility of war.
Who: The soldiers of the British Light Brigade.
When: During the Crimean War (1854), specifically at the Battle of Balaclava.
Where: Crimean Peninsula, where the battle took place.
What: A poetic tribute to the valor and sacrifice of soldiers who obeyed flawed commands, embodying themes of duty and the tragedy of war.
Newbolt, “Vitai Lampada”
Summary: Newbolt’s poem draws an analogy between sportsmanship and military valor, suggesting that the discipline learned on the playing field translates to courage in battle. It reflects Victorian ideals of duty, resilience, and patriotism.
Who: A schoolboy who later becomes a soldier.
When: Victorian period, likely during British colonial conflicts.
Where: Initially on a school playing field, then a battlefield.
What: The poem emphasizes the continuity of British values in both sport and warfare, showing the Victorian belief in character and sacrifice for the empire.
Kipling, “The White Man’s Burden”
Summary: Kipling’s poem advocates for Western colonialism, framing it as a “burden” that civilized nations must bear to “uplift” other cultures. The poem is a controversial defense of imperialism, reflecting attitudes of racial and cultural superiority.
Who: Western colonial powers, particularly the British Empire.
When: 1899, as imperialism reached its peak.
Where: Colonized regions, especially in Asia and Africa.
What: An endorsement of colonialism, portraying it as a self-sacrificial mission for Western powers, though laden with assumptions about cultural supremacy.
Tennyson, “Mariana”
Summary: Tennyson’s “Mariana” captures the desolation and despair of a woman abandoned by her lover. The poem portrays a Victorian woman trapped in unfulfilled longing, symbolizing the limited roles and emotional repression women faced.
Who: Mariana, a woman longing for her absent lover.
When: Victorian era, with themes reflecting the restrictive social norms of the time.
Where: A secluded farmhouse.
What: The poem illustrates themes of abandonment and emotional isolation, emblematic of Victorian attitudes toward women’s roles and inner lives.
Tennyson, “The Lady of Shalott”
Summary: This poem tells the story of the Lady of Shalott, who is cursed to live in isolation and can only see the outside world through a mirror. Her tragic fate upon leaving her tower reflects Victorian fears about women stepping beyond prescribed roles.
Who: The Lady of Shalott, isolated in a tower.
When: In a mythical, medieval setting, reflecting Victorian concerns about female purity.
Where: A tower near Camelot.
What: The poem explores themes of isolation, desire, and societal expectations of women, with the Lady’s curse symbolizing the restrictions placed on women’s freedom.
Tennyson, “Ulysses”
Summary: In “Ulysses,” the aging hero expresses his desire for continued adventure, lamenting a life of idle comfort. Ulysses’ restlessness captures the Victorian ideal of striving for personal fulfillment and discovery.
Who: Ulysses (Odysseus), the legendary hero.
When: Written in 1842, reflecting Victorian ambitions.
Where: Ithaca, after Ulysses has returned from his adventures.
What: Ulysses’ speech is an ode to perseverance, depicting a restless spirit and the Victorian valorization of endurance and exploration.
Rossetti, “In an Artist’s Studio”
Summary: This poem critiques the objectification of women in art, as the artist repeatedly portrays his muse according to his fantasies, erasing her individuality. It reflects Victorian issues of women’s identity and representation.
Who: An artist and his muse.
When: Victorian era, addressing social issues of the 19th century.
Where: The artist’s studio.
What: The poem reveals the exploitation of women’s beauty and the limited roles available to them in Victorian society, focusing on the artist’s idealization rather than the woman’s true identity.
Rossetti, “Goblin Market”
Summary: In this allegorical poem, two sisters encounter goblins selling enchanted fruit. One succumbs to temptation and suffers, while the other sacrifices to save her, reflecting Victorian ideals about female purity and self-sacrifice.
Who: Laura and Lizzie, two sisters.
When: Victorian era, with themes of female agency and temptation.
Where: A fantastical goblin market.
What: A story about sisterly love, temptation, and redemption, with an undertone of sexual and moral caution, reflecting Victorian concerns about women’s purity and redemption.
Arnold, “Dover Beach”
Summary: Arnold’s poem reflects on the decline of religious faith and certainty in Victorian society, as symbolized by the ebb and flow of the tide. The poem conveys a sense of existential uncertainty amid scientific advancement.
Who: The speaker and his companion.
When: Victorian era, amid rising secularism.
Where: Dover Beach, overlooking the English Channel.
What: A meditation on faith and loss, reflecting Victorian concerns about science, religion, and human suffering in an age of skepticism.
Hopkins, “God’s Grandeur”
Summary: Hopkins’ poem praises God’s enduring presence despite humanity’s exploitation of the natural world. It reflects the Victorian tension between industrialization and religious faith.
Who: The speaker, humankind, and God.
When: Late Victorian period, amid environmental degradation.
Where: Industrialized England.
What: The poem contrasts human carelessness with divine grandeur, expressing hope in God’s grace amidst the ecological damage wrought by industrialism.
Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Summary: This novella explores the dual nature of humanity as Dr. Jekyll transforms into the malevolent Mr. Hyde. It reflects Victorian anxieties about repressed desires and the divide between public and private selves.
Who: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as dual aspects of one person.
When: Victorian era, with themes of psychological complexity.
Where: London.
What: A tale of moral conflict and duality, symbolizing the darker aspects of Victorian society’s strict moral codes and the struggle between respectability and hidden desires.
Browning, “Porphyria’s Lover”
Summary: In this dramatic monologue, a man recounts the murder of his lover, Porphyria, to preserve their perfect moment. It explores themes of possessive love and obsession, reflective of Victorian themes of repression and control.
Who: The speaker (Porphyria’s lover) and Porphyria.
When: Victorian era, examining dark psychological themes.
Where: A cottage.
What: A psychological study of possessive love that exposes the speaker’s desire for absolute control, touching on themes of gender and power.
Browning, “My Last Duchess”
Summary: The Duke reveals his controlling and jealous nature as he describes a portrait of his late wife, hinting that he may have caused her death. It reflects Victorian themes of power, control, and the treatment of women.
Who: The Duke of Ferrara and his deceased Duchess.
When: Set in the Italian Renaissance but relevant to Victorian concerns.
Where: The Duke’s private gallery.
What: A dramatic monologue showcasing the Duke’s authoritarian attitude toward his wife, embodying Victorian themes of male dominance and jealousy.
Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles
Summary: This detective novel follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate a curse believed to haunt the Baskerville family. The hound ends up being trained and covered in phosphorus. It reflects Victorian fascination with the supernatural and the triumph of rationality.
Who: Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Sir Henry Baskerville.
When: Victorian era, in a period of belief in the supernatural.
Where: Baskerville Hall and the surrounding moorlands.
What: A mystery that contrasts science and superstition, embodying the Victorian era’s engagement with rational inquiry.
Gaskell, “The Old Nurse’s Story”
Summary: This Gothic tale, narrated by a nurse, reveals a haunting in an old manor tied to dark family secrets. It addresses Victorian themes of class, family legacy, and the supernatural.
Who: The nurse and her young ward, Rosamond.
When: Victorian era, reflecting social and moral issues.
Where: An isolated, haunted manor.
What: A ghost story that explores themes of family honor and the impact of secrets, using Gothic elements typical of Victorian literature, Social Structure.
Part 2: Historical Context
The Crimean War
About/Definition: The Crimean War (1853–1856) was a conflict involving Russia against an alliance of Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire, and Sardinia. The war was notable for its impact on military tactics and the rise of modern war journalism, as well as the charge of the Light Brigade, which became a symbol of valor and tragedy.
Relevant Works:
Tennyson, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” — Directly inspired by the Crimean War, this poem celebrates the courage of British soldiers and memorializes their doomed charge.
Newbolt, “Vitai Lampada” — Although not about the Crimean War specifically, the themes of duty and courage in the face of adversity resonate with the ideals celebrated during the war.
Imperialism
About/Definition: Imperialism refers to the policy of extending a nation's authority through territorial acquisition and establishing economic and political dominance. The Victorian era was characterized by the British Empire’s expansion and the belief in the superiority of Western culture.
Relevant Works:
Kipling, “The White Man’s Burden” — This poem directly addresses imperialism, depicting it as a moral duty of Western nations to “civilize” other parts of the world.
Newbolt, “Vitai Lampada” — Reflects the imperial ethos, associating British values of courage and duty with the empire’s mission.
Tennyson, “Ulysses” — While not explicitly about imperialism, Ulysses’ yearning for exploration and conquest reflects the Victorian spirit of expansion.
Physiognomy
About/Definition: Physiognomy is the pseudoscientific study of facial features to judge a person’s character. This concept, although debunked, influenced Victorian literature and societal perceptions, associating certain physical traits with moral qualities.
Relevant Works:
Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* — Hyde’s appearance is described as unsettling and “deformed,” symbolizing his evil nature and reflecting the era’s belief in physical appearances as indicative of moral character.
Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles* — Uses physiognomic descriptions in its portrayal of suspects and villains, typical of Gothic and detective genres.
Industrialism
About/Definition: Industrialism in the Victorian era led to significant social, economic, and environmental changes. Rapid urbanization, child labor, and environmental degradation became prominent, leading to critiques of industrial society in literature.
Relevant Works:
Barrett Browning, “Cry of the Children” — Directly criticizes the exploitation of children in factories, a byproduct of industrial growth.
Hopkins, “God’s Grandeur” — Laments the impact of industrialization on nature, contrasting human exploitation with the grandeur of God’s creation.
Arnold, “Dover Beach” — Indirectly reflects the uncertainties and disillusionment brought on by industrial progress and the scientific advancements of the time.
Child Labor
About/Definition: Child labor became widespread during the Victorian era, with young children working long hours in factories, mines, and mills. Reformers, including poets, advocated for better conditions and legislation to protect children.
Relevant Works:
Barrett Browning, “Cry of the Children” — A poignant protest against child labor, highlighting the suffering and loss of innocence experienced by working children.
Gaskell, “The Old Nurse’s Story” — While not directly about child labor, the story’s portrayal of class divides and suffering reflects the period’s concerns with social justice, including the plight of children.
Faith and Doubt
About/Definition: The Victorian era was marked by a crisis of faith due to scientific discoveries (e.g., Darwin’s theory of evolution), leading to widespread questioning of religious beliefs. This tension between faith and doubt influenced much of the literature.
Relevant Works:
Arnold, “Dover Beach” — A meditation on the loss of faith and certainty in a world increasingly influenced by scientific thought.
Hopkins, “God’s Grandeur” — Expresses faith in divine power despite the materialism and environmental damage caused by industrialism, highlighting a contrast between spiritual faith and the material world.
Tennyson, “In Memoriam” (though not in Part 1) is also a significant work on this theme.
Gender Roles
About/Definition: Gender roles in the Victorian era were strictly defined, with women expected to embody domestic virtues and men representing authority and rationality. Literature often examined the consequences of these restrictive roles.
Relevant Works:
Tennyson, “Mariana” — Mariana’s isolation and despair symbolize the limitations placed on women, particularly those who do not fulfill traditional roles of wife or mother.
Rossetti, “Goblin Market” — Through themes of temptation and redemption, this poem explores female agency, sacrifice, and the consequences of nonconformity.
Rossetti, “In an Artist’s Studio” — Critiques the objectification of women, reflecting on how they are often defined by male expectations and desires.
Browning, “My Last Duchess” — The Duke’s control over his deceased wife reflects Victorian expectations of female obedience and male dominance.
Part 3: Literary Terms
Dramatic Monologue
Define: A dramatic monologue is a type of poem in which a single speaker addresses a silent listener, revealing their personality and often their inner thoughts, motives, or secrets. This form allows readers to see into the psychology of the character and often leaves space for interpretation based on the speaker’s tone and language.
Relevant Works:
Browning, “My Last Duchess” — The Duke’s monologue reveals his controlling nature and jealousy, giving insight into his views on power and relationships.
Browning, “Porphyria’s Lover” — The speaker’s recounting of his actions toward Porphyria highlights themes of possessive love and obsession.
Pre-Raphaelite
Define: The Pre-Raphaelite movement was an art and literary movement that sought to return to the detail, vibrant colors, and complex compositions associated with art before Raphael. Pre-Raphaelites valued themes of nature, beauty, and emotion, often portraying romantic or medieval subjects with intense realism and symbolism.
Relevant Works:
Rossetti, “In an Artist’s Studio” — Reflects Pre-Raphaelite themes by critiquing the idealization of women in art and the erasure of their individuality.
Rossetti, “Goblin Market” — The vivid, symbolic descriptions of nature and the supernatural in this poem align with Pre-Raphaelite aesthetics, focusing on beauty, temptation, and sisterly love.
Red Herring
Define: A red herring is a literary device used to mislead or distract readers from the real plot or outcome. It often appears in mystery and detective genres to create suspense and encourage readers to follow false clues.
Relevant Works:
Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles* — This novel uses red herrings, such as supernatural elements and local superstitions, to mislead readers and maintain suspense until the true nature of the Baskerville curse is revealed.
Conversation Poem
Define: A conversation poem is a meditative or reflective poem that is usually addressed to a close friend, family member, or confidante. The poem is often contemplative, dealing with themes of nature, faith, and personal insight, creating a dialogue-like tone with the audience.
Relevant Works:
Arnold, “Dover Beach” — Although it’s not a conversation poem in the traditional sense, the speaker addresses a companion and shares personal reflections on faith and doubt, fitting the contemplative style and intimate tone of conversation poetry.
Part 4: Genre
Horror
Define: Horror literature aims to evoke feelings of fear, dread, and unease in the reader, often featuring supernatural or grotesque elements. It explores humanity’s darker side and frequently delves into themes of the unknown, psychological terror, and moral boundaries.
Applicable Literature:
Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* — This novella explores the horror of dual identity and hidden evil within an individual, drawing on themes of suppressed desires and the monstrous potential within humanity.
Gaskell, “The Old Nurse’s Story” — A Gothic horror tale that incorporates family secrets, hauntings, and an eerie, isolated mansion to build suspense and fear.
Mystery
Define: Mystery literature centers around a puzzling event, often a crime, that the characters must solve. The genre involves clues, suspense, and red herrings, and often emphasizes rational problem-solving, investigation, and the eventual discovery of hidden truths.
Applicable Literature:
Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles* — This novel follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate the mysterious curse of the Baskerville family, blending rational detection with elements of the supernatural to create suspense.
Thriller
Define: Thriller literature is characterized by fast-paced action, suspense, and a sense of excitement or tension. It often involves high-stakes situations, psychological intensity, and a protagonist facing dangerous or life-threatening challenges.
Applicable Literature:
Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles* — This work contains thriller elements through its suspenseful storyline and the looming threat of the legendary hound, building tension as the mystery unfolds.
Stevenson, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* — The novella incorporates thrilling elements as Mr. Utterson attempts to uncover the truth behind Dr. Jekyll’s transformations, with an atmosphere of mounting psychological tension and fear.
Social Change through Literature
Define: Literature for social change aims to address and critique social injustices, provoke awareness, and inspire reform. Often focusing on issues like class inequality, gender roles, industrial exploitation, and imperialism, these works reflect and influence public consciousness.
Applicable Literature:
Barrett Browning, “Cry of the Children” — This poem calls attention to the exploitation of child labor and critiques industrial society, reflecting a call for social reform.
Rossetti, “Goblin Market” — Although more subtle, this poem critiques the commodification of women and challenges Victorian notions of female sexuality and purity, promoting ideas of female agency and solidarity.
Kipling, “The White Man’s Burden” — Although intended to support imperialism, this poem also invites critique of imperial policies by highlighting the sacrifices involved, sparking discussions on the ethics of colonialism.
Gaskell, “The Old Nurse’s Story” This Gothic tale, narrated by a nurse, reveals a haunting in an old manor tied to dark family secrets. It addresses Victorian themes of class, family legacy, and the supernatural.
Part 5: Quotations to Know
“Why brought ye us from bondage, / Our loved Egyptian night?”
Source: The White Man’s Burden by Rudyard Kipling.
Meaning: This line highlights the resentment of the colonized people toward Western imperialists who claim to “free” them. By referencing “bondage” and “Egyptian night” (an allusion to the Israelites’ escape from Egypt in the Bible), Kipling conveys a sense of irony, as the people perceive the Western influence as an unwanted imposition rather than liberation.
“We are not now that strength which in old days / Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; / One equal temper of heroic hearts, / Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will / To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.”
Source: Ulysses by Lord Tennyson.
Meaning: This passage captures Ulysses’ determination to continue seeking purpose and adventure, despite the limitations of age. It reflects the Victorian ideal of perseverance, emphasizing the resilience of the human spirit to strive for greatness, even when physical strength has waned.
“Sophocles long ago / Heard it on the Aegean, and it brought / Into his mind the turbid ebb and flow / Of human misery; we / Find also in the sound a thought, / Hearing it by this distant northern sea.”
Source: Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold.
Meaning: In this reflection, Arnold draws a connection between his own existential doubts and those of the ancient Greek tragedian Sophocles. The “turbid ebb and flow of human misery” symbolizes the human condition, full of suffering and uncertainty, resonating with the Victorian crisis of faith and the era’s sense of moral ambiguity.
“Why do men then now not reck his rod? / Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; / And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil…”
Source: God’s Grandeur by Gerard Hopkins.
Meaning: Here, Hopkins laments humanity’s disregard for God’s authority (“his rod”) in the face of industrialization. The repetitive “trod” and “seared with trade” describe the spiritual and environmental degradation caused by industrial progress, highlighting a Victorian critique of materialism and the loss of reverence for nature.