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Social Reform and Critique
Parliament passed a law that changed the British electoral system, reflecting the period's growing interest in social reform, which becomes a major theme in Victorian literature. Authors like Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell used their works to critique social injustices, they not only reflected and influenced the cultural and social issues of their time but also left a lasting legacy that continues to shape literature and thought today. -
Alexandrina Victoria becomes queen.
Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days—which was longer than those of any of her predecessors—constituted the Victorian era. At the same time
Charles Dickens publishes "The Pickwick Papers," his first novel, which becomes widely popular. His subsequent works, including "Oliver Twist" (1837-1839), highlight social injustices and child labor, influencing public opinion and policy. -
A Christmas Carol
Dickens publishes "A Christmas Carol," a novell that plays a significant role in shaping modern Christmas traditions and bringing attention to issues of poverty and generosity. -
The Communist Manifesto
Publication of The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Fredrich Engels. Both Christianity and landowners' control of political power were questioned. The Brontë sisters and George Eliot addressed issues of gender and class, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future feminist literature. -
The Year of Revolution
Many new regimes were established on the continent of Europe, but Queen Victoria increased popularity in Britain.
At the same time The Brontë Sisters publish a joint collection of poetry, demonstrating the emergence of female authors in a male-dominated literary world.
Also Elizabeth Gaskell publishes "Mary Barton," addressing the struggles of the working class and influencing social reform movements. -
Tennyson
Alfred Tennyson becomes Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom during much of Queen Victoria's reign, his work reflecting Victorian ideals and concerns. In 1850, with the publication of “In Memoriam,” Tennyson became one of Britain's most popular poets. -
The First World Fair
The First World Fair (the Great Exhibition) is widely regarded as the high point of British imperialism.
At the same time Herman Melville publishes "Moby-Dick," which, though not initially successful, later becomes a cornerstone of American literature, exploring themes of obsession and the human condition. -
Uncle Tom's Cabin
Harriet Beecher Stowe publishes "Uncle Tom's Cabin," a novel that significantly impacts the abolitionist movement in the United States and changes public perception of slavery. -
Leaves of Grass
Walt Whitman publishes "Leaves of Grass," revolutionizing American poetry with its free verse and celebration of the individual and democracy. -
On the Origin of Species
Publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. This scientific treatise, conducted in the 1830s, challenged orthodox religious beliefs. For the first time,agnosticism and atheism became
widespread.
Dickens publishes "A Tale of Two Cities," using the backdrop of the French Revolution to explore themes of sacrifice and resurrection. -
Modernism
‘Modernism’ was recognised as a force in English literature. George Meredith was an
early practitioner of Modernism. -
Great Expectations
Dickens publishes "Great Expectations," examining themes of ambition and social mobility, influencing readers' views on class and personal development. -
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll publishes "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," a groundbreaking work of literary nonsense that influences children's literature and introduces surrealism. -
Das Kapital
Karl Marx published, in England, Das Kapital, which was a principal text of socialist ideology for over a century. (Matthew Arnold’s epoch-breaking poem Dover Beach dates from the same year) -
Middlemarch
George Eliot publishes "Middlemarch," which becomes a seminal work for its realistic portrayal of provincial life and its exploration of social change, politics, and human relationships. -
Radical Liberalism
Radical Liberalism began to give way to Marxist-influenced Socialism: 1881, the Socialist Democratic Federation; 1884, Mark Twain publishes "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," addressing themes of race and identity in America and considered one of the greatest American novels for its portrayal of social issues.1886, Stevenson publishes "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," influencing the Gothic genre and exploring the duality of human nature. -
Innovations in Genre
Authors like Lewis Carroll, Robert Louis Stevenson, and H.G. Wells expanded the boundaries of children's literature, adventure fiction, and science fiction, respectively, leaving lasting legacies in these genres.
Robert Louis Stevenson publishes "Treasure Island," shaping the genre of adventure fiction and becoming a classic of children's literature. -
Psychological and Philosophical Depth
Writers such as Dostoevsky and Hardy delved into the complexities of human psychology and morality, influencing existentialist and realist literature.
Hardy publishes "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," critiquing Victorian attitudes towards purity and sexuality, sparking controversy and debate. -
Cultural and Societal Critique
Oscar Wilde and Mark Twain provided sharp critiques of societal norms and values through their satirical and often humorous works.
Oscar Wilde premieres "The Importance of Being Earnest," exemplifying his wit and criticism of Victorian social conventions.
-H.G. Wells publishes "The Time Machine," pioneering the science fiction genre and exploring themes of class disparity and technological progress. -
Dracula
Bram Stoker publishes "Dracula," which becomes a defining work of Gothic horror and influences vampire fiction and popular culture -
Irish National Theatre
Establishment in Dublin of the Irish National Theatre, grew out of the Irish Literary Theatre (founded in 1899 by William Butler Yeats and Isabella Augusta, Lady Gregory, and devoted to fostering Irish poetic drama), which in 1902 was taken over by the Irish National Dramatic Society, led by W.G. and Frank J. -
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
L. Frank Baum publishes "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," creating a beloved classic of children's literature that reflects American ideals and imagination.