THE VICTORIAN AGE
England rises as an imperial power: colonization, trade, immigration
an age characterized by dramatic changes
industrial production favoured by the Industrial Revolution
unregulated industrialization
great prosperity for the lucky
misery for the masses
an age of progress, promise and triumph
both positive and negative consequences
some challenge the effects of industrialization
a time of troubles
deplorable working conditions in mines and factories
literature focused on THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR
literature focused on working conditions
British political policy of expansion worldwide
Australia, Canada, India
PROGRESS IN SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY
GREAT EXHIBITION - ROYAL PALACE
Ch.Darwin- The Origin of Species and The Descent of Man
challenge old thinking about the role of man in the world
man is just one creature among others and is the product of evolutionary history
COMMON THEME:the definition of the protagonist relative to class and social system
the transition from creating goods by hand to using machines
shift from an agrarian to a manufacturing society
literature is close to real life with facts and general stereotypes of human nature
writers use journalistic techniques
the advances in printing technology
the rise of literacy
an increase in the publication of texts
Dickens: the themes of A Christmas Carol
time, youth and old age
rebirth and transformation
Christmas spirit versus greed and selfishness
social injustice