The Reflection of Victorian Britain in Literature

The Reflection of Victorian Britain in Literature

Queen Victoria reigned in Britain between 1937-1901. During this time

in British history a large degree of change occurred. The writers of

the time often reflected these substantial changes in their literature

focusing on the interests of society.

I have studied a variety of literature from the Victorian period and

have chosen to write about three particular pieces; 'The Signalman' by

Charles Dickens (a short story), the novel 'Frankenstein' by Mary

Shelley and another short story called 'The Tell Tale Heart' by Edgar

Allen Poe.

At the point when these stories were written, there were a wide range

of issues touching society. However, for the benefit of this essay I

am only going to focus on three of these; the role of God, the

increasing advances in science and technology, the supernatural and

insanity.

The point which I am going to focus on first is about the role God

played in many people's lives and how this is reflected in the

literature of the Victorian period.

In 'Frankenstein' Mary Shelley's point of view about the advances

occurring in the progress of medicine and technology can be seen. She

also explains the dangerous issues connected with man trying to copy

the role of God.

The central characters in 'Frankenstein' are Dr Frankenstein and his

creation, the monster. Dr Frankenstein tells the story.

At the beginning of 'Frankenstein', Dr Frankenstein becomes over

confident with new advantageous technology. He intends to make the

'perfect human' in order to save lives and becomes somewhat obsessed

with this idea. He surgically attaches many different body parts

together from deceased people. He believes from his previous research

tha...

... middle of paper ...

... raved- I

swore!' His sudden change in behaviour is what convinces the reader

and the police, the murderer is mad. 'I admit the deed! - tear up the

planks! - here, here! - It is the beating of his hideous heart!' The

murderer admits he committed the murder.

In conclusion it is clear that the literature I have studied, 'The

Signalman', 'The Tell Tale Heart' and 'Frankenstein' all directly

reflect the interests of Victorian Britain. The curiosities in the

role of God, the increasing developments in science and technology,

the supernatural and insanity were all reflected in these books, as

was the work of Psychoanalysts like Sigmund Freud. There was better

transport than ever before and psychiatrists found out how the mind

worked and were then capable of looking inside it. The literature had

to reflect the interests of the time in order to be successful.