Victorian Novels:

Focused on certainty, objectivity, and concrete details to depict the social world realistically.

Viewed life and reality as stable and fixed.

Linear structure: Follows the main character's life chronologically, often from birth to death.

Moral or psychological journey: The character experiences a journey of learning, growth, and
resolution, often involving transgression and redemption.

Clear beginning, middle, and end: Provide a sense of completeness with a well-defined storyline.

18th century The Age of Reason

Marginalization of Novels: Novels were considered a lesser literary form because they did not
accurately reflect reality. They were often viewed as a product of the middle class, created by and for
them, which contributed to their marginal status.

Emergence of the Middle Class: The rise of the middle class during this period led to novels being
published primarily for their education and moral guidance. This resulted in a perception that reading
novels was a waste of time or corrupting.

Why novel reading was useless, waste of time and corrupting in middle class?
- Middle class novels published by middle class and for middle class, to educate, entertain and tame
them.

- The novels were somewhere between reality and fiction, and were therefore considered a waste of
time. Because it wasn't teaching anything. Ex: Robinson Crusoe because even though its real life
without supernatural elements it’s unlikely to happen in real life.

- Critics argued that novels were primarily focused on entertainment and lacked intellectual
substance.

- Novel reading was seen as a distraction from more serious academic pursuits.

- It was also thought that some of the romantic relationships they contained could lead to moral
corruption in society.

- Novels often explored secular themes and worldly concerns, which could be seen as a threat to
religious piety.

- Critics argued that novels lacked the spiritual guidance and moral instruction found in religious
texts.
General characteristics of the Victorian novel
1. Harsh Realities of Life: Victorian novels often depict the grim conditions of life, including
issues like child labour, poverty, and terrible working conditions, reflecting the struggles faced by
many during this period.

2. Societal Representation: These novels provide a broad perspective on society, showcasing

a wide range of characters and social dynamics, including economic and political contexts,
urbanization, and the ideal of the "angel in the house," which refers to the idealized role of women in
society.

3. Age of Transformation: The Victorian era marked a significant shift from an agrarian
society to an industrial one, influencing the themes and settings of contemporary literature.

4. Shift in Economic Power: There was a notable transition in economic power from the
aristocracy to the burgeoning middle class, which is often reflected in character dynamics and social
commentary within the novels.

5. Victorian Dilemma: The conflict between religion and science is a recurring theme, as
writers grappled with emerging scientific ideas that challenged traditional religious beliefs.

6. Social Respectability: The novels often explore how financial status is closely tied to social
respectability, highlighting societal expectations regarding wealth and morality.

7. Gothic Elements: Many Victorian novels incorporate gothic elements to reflect societal
fears and anxieties. This includes:

- Gloomy settings

- Mystery

- Supernatural elements

- Dark atmospheres

- Pessimistic viewpoints
Overview of Charles Dickens

- Roles: Dickens was not only an author but also a journalist, editor, illustrator, and social critic. His
multifaceted career allowed him to address various societal issues through his writing.

- Focus on the Unprivileged: He often depicted the struggles of unprotected and underprivileged
groups, particularly children and women, emphasizing that children had to endure harsh realities
with little time for play or joy.

Common Themes in Dickens's Works

1. Children as Central Figures: Children are pivotal in Dickens's narratives, often representing
innocence amidst societal corruption.

2. Oppression of Poverty: His works frequently explore the severe impacts of poverty on individuals
and families, showcasing the struggles faced by the lower classes.

3. Uncertainty of Love and Marriage: Dickens critiques the institution of marriage, suggesting that it
often lacked genuine love and was more about social status than emotional connection.

4. Indifference of Social Institutions: He highlights how societal institutions failed to protect

vulnerable populations, particularly children and women, reflecting a lack of concern for their
suffering.

5. Family Life: Despite the grim realities depicted in his novels, there is an underlying theme of
sustaining joy in family life, possibly stemming from Dickens's own desires for a happy family
environment.

Style

- Sensationalism and Pathos: Dickens's writing style is characterized by its ability to evoke strong
emotions (pathos) and create vivid sensations, often aiming to inspire social reform through his
narratives.

What is a Byronic Hero?

A Byronic hero is a literary archetype inspired by the Romantic poet Lord Byron.

Characteristics:

1- Noble by birth

2- Handsome and attractive, charismatic

3- Mysterious and enigmatic

4- Moody

5- Rebellious and defiant

6- Haunted by the past

7- Capable of deep love and loyalty

Formal Realism / Novel Anti-Corn Law League
. Circumstantial view of life - What It Is: A campaign against the Corn Laws, which
imposed tariffs on imported grain, keeping food prices
. Particularization of time high.
. Concrete setting - Goals: The League aimed to repeal these laws to lower
. It reflects the social panorama food prices and improve living conditions for the working
class.
. Formal docs, bills, checks
- Outcome: The campaign was successful; the Corn Laws
· Very similitude of life were repealed in 1846, leading to lower food prices and
increased support for free trade.

Utilitarianism
- Means maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.

- While utilitarian economic policies aim for the greater good, they can sometimes overlook
individual rights or lead to inequality. For instance, a policy might benefit the majority while
negatively impacting a minority group, raising ethical concerns about fairness and justice.

Charles Dickens' Hard Times serves as a profound critique of utilitarianism, particularly in its
application to education, society, and economic conditions during the Victorian era. This critique is
articulated through the character of Thomas Gradgrind, who embodies the rigid, fact-based
educational philosophy that prioritizes utilitarian principles over emotional and imaginative
development.

Critique of Gradgrind's Philosophy

- In Hard Times, Dickens critiques the educational system that relies heavily on utilitarian ideals, as
exemplified by Gradgrind's insistence on teaching "Facts" exclusively.
- This approach dehumanizes students, stripping them of creativity and emotional depth.
- Gradgrind's model of schooling reflects a mechanistic view of education in which children are
seen as "empty vessels” to be filled with knowledge, without personal experience and emotion.
- The consequences of this educational philosophy are vividly illustrated through the character of
Louisa Gradgrind, who suffers emotional turmoil due to her father's neglect of her imaginative
needs.

Impact on Society
- Dickens criticises utilitarianism, saying it leads to a society divided between rich and poor, with
laws that benefits the rich.
- This lack of empathy and social responsibility causes social injustice and neglect of the working
class.
Themes of Charles Dickens in Hard Times
- Loneliness: The characters often experience profound isolation.
- Poverty: A central theme, showcasing the dire conditions faced by the working class.
- Uncertainty of Love and Marriage:
- Marriage is depicted as a means to achieve wealth rather than based on love.
- Victorian society viewed marriage as a contract rather than a romantic union.
- Indifference of Social Institutions:
- Social institutions fail to protect the underprivileged.
- Criminals are inadequately punished, and societal pressures drive individuals to crime.
- Social Injustice: A class-based society increases inequalities.
- Sustaining Joy of Family Life: Despite hardships, family bonds provide solace.
- Perseverance and Sacrifice: Characters endure great difficulties while maintaining their integrity.
- Autobiographical Links: Many elements reflect Dickens's own life experiences.
General Themes
- Education: Critique of the Victorian educational system, emphasizing rote memorization over
critical thinking.
- Industrialization: The impact of industrial growth on society and human relationships.
- Marriage: Often portrayed as lacking respect and love, seen as an unreliable institution.

Style
- The novel employs a strong comic touch, characteristic of Dickens's writing style.

Structure of the Novel

Hard Times is divided into three parts:
1. Sowing
2. Reaping
3. Garnering

Key Characters and Their Struggles

- Sissy Jupe, Louisa, and Tom: Struggle due to the rigid education system imposed by Mr. Gradgrind.
- Stephen Blackpool and Rachel: Face hardships from poverty and poor working conditions. Stephen
wants a divorce with his alcoholic wife but he is poor and can't afford a lawyer. While they see each
other Rachel doesn't cross the line because of his marriage.
Critique of Education
- The educational system emphasizes memorization, leading to mechanical learning rather than
genuine understanding.
- Dickens suggests that questioning the system may lead to resistance against its flaws.
Critique of Marriage
- Dickens expresses scepticism about marriage, highlighting it as a calculation or contract rather than
a union based on love.
- Examples include:
- Bounderby and Louisa: Their marriage is practical but devoid of emotional connection;
Louisa marries without following her heart.
- Rachel and Stephen Blackpool: He loves Rachel but cannot divorce his alcoholic wife due to
financial hardships. Represent true love amidst societal challenges; Rachel embodies the
"angel in the house."
- Mr. and Mrs. Gradgrind: Mrs. Gradgrind is portrayed as passive and lacking intellectual
engagement, contrasting with the idealized notion of women in domestic roles.