Influence of Queen Victoria

“The sun never sets on the British Empire.” During the prosperous Victorian age in Great Britain, this quote had every bit of truth behind it. This age was the time of significant change for both the developing technologies, and social aspects. The Nineteenth Century English Theatre, specifically The Importance of Being Earnest, displayed new advancements in the history of theatre (Gascoinge 233). The rapidly forming advancements could not have been achieved without the influence of Queen Victoria.

On King William IV’s death in 1837, it became clear that Queen Victoria had to take the throne at age of eighteen. Queen Victoria reigned for a total of sixty-four years, longer than any other British monarch. During her reign, Victoria is associated with the great industrial developments, economical success, and of course the expansion of the British Empire (Victorian). After Britain’s civil war, the Parliamentary Monarchy government was set up, encouraging people to set up businesses in search of profit. Over time, most commercial monopolies were abolished. As a result, merchants could invest money and receive profits with little intervention from the government. With the newfound purposes for coal, and the children ‘slave’ workers, factories powered by steam engines popped up overnight (Colville). Money poured in with the imports and exports of goods. Expensive jewelry, fabrics and clothing previously was only bought by the upper class, was now affordable to the middle class (Isaac). The middle class gradually became wealthier as the time period continued (Levine 652).

Members of the middle class had now obtained more spending money than usual. In the 1830’s, theatre began its elevated me...

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...g of the long trial that persecuted Wilde for being homosexual. He was eventually imprisoned for his crimes, and died an early death of forty-six on November 30, 1900. Throughout his life time, Wilde wrote many short stories, plays, and poems that continue to inspire millions around the world (Wilde).

Nineteenth Century had so many new advancements and technologies in everything from drinking tea, to going to a social outing. Minds were focused so much on the advancements and new possibilities of the future. Wilde helped to relax these visions and focus on the content conditions of home life, with his wonderful comedic drama. Even though Wilde tragically died at the age of forty-six, many claim that through the accomplishments he made in literature, his life was spent to the fullest. Wilde’s work is still admired and encouraging to people worldwide.