Unidade 2 - webaula 2 período vitoriano Profa. Débora Lorena | DEaD UERN

Victorian Era Overview

Introduction to the Victorian Period

• The Victorian era is marked by Queen Victoria's reign, beginning with her coronation at age 18 and ending in 1901 with her death.

Timeline of Key Events

• Upcoming slides will present a timeline highlighting significant events categorized by themes, starting with literature.

Characteristics of the Victorian Era

• The period can be summarized in three phases:

• Optimism and Progress: England was at its peak, expanding territories and infrastructure, fostering a belief in a brighter future.

• Emergence of Realism: This phase saw the rise of realism in art and literature alongside industrial advancements.

• Colonial Expansion: England established numerous colonies across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and India, earning the title "the empire on which the sun never sets."

Social Conditions During the Victorian Era

Industrialization vs. Worker Rights

• Despite technological progress, working conditions were dire for factory and mine workers who lived on society's margins. This led to movements advocating for workers' rights towards the end of the era.

Moral Values Imposed by Queen Victoria

• Queen Victoria enforced strict moral values that governed all aspects of life including sexuality and social behavior; this created an environment where deviation from norms was met with repression.

Gender Roles and Repression

• Women faced heightened conservatism during this time; those not adhering to societal standards experienced persecution, particularly regarding their sexuality or non-conformity to gender roles. Homosexuality was criminalized leading to severe consequences for those involved in same-sex relationships.

Cultural Hypocrisy in Victorian Society

Dual Lives of Individuals

• A notable hypocrisy existed where individuals maintained public morality while engaging in private behaviors deemed sinful; this duality is exemplified in Oscar Wilde’s experiences as he faced imprisonment for his sexual orientation.

Sexual Normativity

• Sexual relations were strictly procreative; women were expected to remain passive during intercourse while men had access to brothels reflecting societal contradictions regarding sexual expression. This repression extended into women's roles within society limiting their freedoms significantly compared to men’s liberties.

Artistic Developments Amidst Repression

Cultural Flourishing

• Despite societal constraints, artistic expression flourished during the 19th century across various domains such as architecture, theater, and literature driven by a burgeoning middle class eager for cultural consumption. This period witnessed significant developments aimed at satisfying these cultural appetites amidst prevailing moral restrictions on personal freedoms.

The Renaissance of Literature and the Gothic Movement

The Resurgence of Theatre and Architecture

• The period marks a revival in theatre, with architecture reflecting a significant Gothic movement that had previously been dormant.

• Notable literary figures emerge during this time, including Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Alfred Tennyson, and the Brontë sisters.

The Rise of the Novel

• Despite being viewed as inferior to poetry, the novel becomes the most popular literary form among a growing population eager for consumption.

• Early literature serves an oral tradition purpose, often resembling family sermons aimed at educating society on various topics.

Pedagogical Literature Targeting Women

• This era's literature is characterized by its focus on women’s education—covering topics like maintaining virginity and being good wives or daughters.

• Novels are predominantly consumed by women while poetry remains a male-dominated genre considered noble.

Gender Dynamics in Writing

• Although few women had access to education, some began writing in the 19th century but often used male pseudonyms to ensure publication.

• Female authors faced criticism; thus, they frequently justified their work or adopted masculine identities to gain acceptance in literary circles.

The Gothic Revival

• The Gothic movement resurfaces in the 19th century after being overlooked historically; it transcends literature into architecture (e.g., Neo-Gothic).

• Originally associated with medieval themes and European tribes like the Goths, Gothic literature reflects cultural distinctions from classical influences.

Characteristics of Gothic Literature

• The Gothic genre embodies antiquated themes—chaotic and irrational elements contrasting sharply with classical ideals.

• It challenges neoclassical supremacy through new emotional depths and behavioral norms within its narratives.

Emotional Complexity in Gothic Works

• Works such as "Wuthering Heights" illustrate intense emotions through grotesque architecture and complex character dynamics.

• Characters often embody cruelty rather than traditional notions of beauty or virtue; their experiences reflect deeper psychological struggles.

Exploring Gothic Literature and Victorian Era Writers

The Role of Fantasy in Literature

• Discussion on the presence of fantasy in myths, legends, and folklore, highlighting its significance in literature.

• Reference to a quote from Vasconcelos regarding the reintroduction of horror elements in literature with Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" (1746), challenging neoclassical ideals.

• The emergence of ghosts and specters in literature as a response to the rationality of the Age of Reason, breaking away from purely logical narratives.

Death and Mourning in the Victorian Era

• Examination of how death was a prevalent theme during the Victorian period, influenced by low life expectancy rates.

• Statistics on life expectancy: women lived an average of 43 years; high infant mortality rates due to poor hygiene practices.

• Discussion on societal pressures leading women to use harmful beauty products that contributed to health issues and mortality.

Key Writers from the Victorian Period

Charles Dickens

• Introduction to Charles Dickens as a prominent figure born in 1812, known for his humanistic approach towards marginalized individuals.

• His use of irony and humor to critique social issues while portraying various social classes through diverse language styles.

• Overview of Dickens' work with "Household Words," where he published serialized stories including "Great Expectations."

Notable Works by Charles Dickens

• Mentioned works include:

• "Oliver Twist" (1839)

• "A Christmas Carol" (1843)

• "David Copperfield"

• "Tale of Two Cities"

• "Great Expectations" (1861), noted for its themes reflecting Victorian optimism.

Themes in Dickens' Writing

• Exploration of family values, childhood innocence, simple joys, community spirit, generosity, and dramatization of reality evident in works like "A Christmas Carol."

Mary Ann Evans (George Eliot)

• Introduction to Mary Ann Evans who wrote under the pseudonym George Eliot (1819–1880), recognized for her intellectual depth reflected through her literary contributions.

George Eliot and the Victorian Era

Influence of Education on Writing

• George Eliot, born Mary Ann Evans, had significant access to education at home and school, which fostered her desire to write.

• She worked as an editorial assistant for the Westm Review, a publication that featured city novels written by women.

• Despite being part of the Victorian era, her works were set in the Georgian period and addressed serious themes like science, politics, religion, social inequality, and women's rights.

Themes in George Eliot's Works

• Notable works include "Adam Bede" (1859), "The Mill on the Floss" (1860), and "Middlemarch," showcasing her literary genius through strong metaphors and unique punctuation.

• In "Middlemarch," she explores workers' positions amid industrialization and highlights their struggles against poor working conditions.

Thomas Hardy: A Different Perspective

• Thomas Hardy (1840–1928), one of the last Victorian novelists, initially trained as an architect before becoming a writer.

• He produced around 18 novels but emphasized that quality matters more than quantity in literature; even Emily Brontë's single novel left a lasting impact.

Central Themes in Hardy's Writing

• Hardy focused on the decline of rural English society during a time of disillusionment at the end of the Victorian era.

• His realistic writing style often challenged societal morals and questioned established norms regarding marriage, education, religion, and human unhappiness.