1. The Victorian Era! the world, which seems To lie before us like a land of dreams, So various, so beautiful, so new, Hath really neither joy, nor love, nor light, Nor certitude, nor peace, nor help for pain. Matthew Arnold

3. Romantic thoughts Victorian reality What are key elements of each time period? Focus on human imagination, creation, emotion over reason Responsibility to self, continuation of Carpe Diem Appreciation for the past Living in nature, seeking simplicity Obsession with the human condition Inspired by the victory of the French Revolution More focus on realism - meeting the needs of the growing middle class, Social responsibility Focus on the needs of the present Living in urban dwellings amongst the poverty created by the growing disparities of the wealthy, middle class, and poor seeking justice Driven to express the moral injustice against poor women and children Make sure you are able to identify and explain three elements from each genre, compare and contrast these epic times in English history and how the literary works reflect the ideas and central issues of their time.

4. Key components of Victorian period Invention = solution to problems Religion: Great time of doubt Unionization: Workers’ rights www.victorianweb.org

5. Outstanding Elements