The Victorian Era

Literary Foundations and
Criticism in the Victorian

Period
REPORTER: EVELYN T. TIMKANG

MOTIVATIONAL ACTIVITY:
Group the class into two groups

Distribute the hands out
materials and let them read and
critic the given poem
Let them share their works in
front
Duration Time: 10 minutes
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the key characteristics

and themes of Victorian literature.
To analyze the contributions of
prominent Victorian authors, such as
Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and
Thomas Hardy, and their impact on
literary tradition.
To assess the evolution of literary
forms during the Victorian era.
Introduction to Victorian Literature
The Victorian Era (1837-1901) was a

time of significant literary
development. This presentation will
explore the foundational texts, key
authors, and the evolution of literary
criticism during this period,
highlighting the cultural and social
influences that shaped the literature
of the time.
Themes in Victorian Literature
Victorian literature often
explores themes such as social
justice, gender roles, and
morality. Authors used their
works to critique society and
advocate for change. This era
also saw the rise of the novel
as a dominant literary form,
reflecting contemporary life.
Key Literary Figures
Prominent authors like
Charles Dickens, George
Eliot, and Thomas Hardy
emerged during this era.
Their works often addressed
social issues, and human
struggles, and contributed
to the development of
character-driven narratives
that resonate with readers
even today.
Charles Dickens
- born in Portsmouth in 1812
-was an English novelist, short story writer,
and social critic, widely regarded as the
greatest of the Victorian era.
-Dickens's novels are celebrated for their

vivid depictions of London life, their
memorable character, and their incisive
critiques of social injustice.
Dickens's most famous works
1. Oliver Twist
A classic tale of a
young orphan boy
who escapes an
oppressive orphanage
and encounters a life
of crime and hardship
Dickens's most famous works
2. David Copperfield
3. Great Expectations
4. A Christmas Carol
5. Bleak House
George Eliot
- was a prominent English novelist and essayist
who flourished during the Victorian era.
- Her true name is Mary Ann Evans, born in
1819
-Eliot's novels are renowned for their
psychological depth, social
commentary, and exploration of
complex moral dilemmas
Eliot's most famous works
1. Adam Bede
A novel set in rural

England, exploring
themes of love,
morality, and
social class
Eliot's most famous works
2. The Mill on the Floss

3. Middlemarch
4. Silas Marner
Thomas Hardy
-was a prominent English novelist and poet
who flourished during the later part of the
Victorian era.
-Born in 1840
-Hardy's works often explored themes of

fate, nature, and the human condition in a
bleak and deterministic universe.
Hardy's most famous works
1. Tess of the d'Urbervilles
A tragic tale of a
young woman who is
seduced and
abandoned, leading to
a series of unfortunate
events.
Hardy's most famous works
2. Jude the Obscure

3. Far From the Madding Crowd
4. The Return of the Native
5. The Mayor of Casterbridge
Genres and Movements
Victorian literature saw the rise of
various genres including the novel,
poetry, and drama. The era was
characterized by movements such
as Realism and Romanticism, each
offering unique perspectives on
human experience and societal
norms.
The Role of Women in
Literature
Women writers like Charlotte Brontë,
Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and
George Eliot challenged traditional
roles through their works. They
explored themes of identity, gender,
and social constraints, paving the way
for future generations of female
authors.
Victorian Poetry
Poetry flourished in the Victorian
Era with poets like Alfred Lord
Tennyson and Robert Browning.
Their works often reflected
emotional depth and philosophical
inquiry, addressing themes of love,
loss, and the human condition in a
rapidly changing world.
Literary Criticism Emerges
The Victorian period saw the rise of

literary criticism as a formal
discipline. Critics like Matthew
Arnold emphasized the importance of
moral and aesthetic values in
literature, influencing how texts
were interpreted and appreciated in
society.
Conclusion
The Victorian Era was a pivotal
time for literature, marked by
innovation, social critique, and
the emergence of literary
criticism. Understanding its
literary foundations allows us to
appreciate the rich tapestry of
human experience woven through its
texts.
Thanks!

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Literary Foundations and

Criticism in the Victorian

REPORTER: EVELYN T. TIMKANG

Group the class into two groups

To explore the key characteristics

The Victorian Era (1837-1901) was a

-Dickens's novels are celebrated for their

A novel set in rural

2. The Mill on the Floss

-Hardy's works often explored themes of

2. Jude the Obscure

The Victorian period saw the rise of

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