Realism vs. Victorian Novel

Attribute	Realism	Victorian Novel
Time Period	19th century	19th century
Focus	Depicts reality as it is	Often idealized or romanticized
Characterization	Characters are ordinary people	Characters often represent social classes
Setting	Realistic settings	Often set in Victorian England
Themes	Focus on everyday life	Themes of social class, morality, and society

Introduction

Realism and Victorian novels are two distinct literary movements that emerged during the 19th century. While both share some similarities, they also have key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the attributes of Realism and Victorian novels and compare them in terms of themes, writing style, and social context.

Themes

One of the main differences between Realism and Victorian novels lies in their themes. Realism focuses on depicting everyday life and ordinary people in a realistic manner. Realist writers often explore themes such as social class, poverty, and the struggles of the working class. On the other hand, Victorian novels tend to have more romantic and melodramatic themes. These novels often feature themes of love, morality, and the conflict between good and evil.

Writing Style

Another key difference between Realism and Victorian novels is their writing style. Realist writers strive for objectivity and accuracy in their portrayal of characters and events. They often use detailed descriptions and dialogue to create a sense of authenticity. In contrast, Victorian novelists tend to employ a more ornate and elaborate writing style. They use rich language, symbolism, and metaphor to create a sense of grandeur and drama in their works.

Social Context

Realism and Victorian novels also differ in terms of their social context. Realism emerged as a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization of the 19th century. Realist writers sought to expose the harsh realities of life for the working class and to critique the social injustices of the time. Victorian novels, on the other hand, often reflect the values and ideals of the Victorian era. These novels often uphold traditional moral values and explore the complexities of social class and gender roles.

Characterization

Characterization is another aspect where Realism and Victorian novels diverge. Realist writers tend to focus on creating believable and relatable characters that reflect the diversity of human experience. These characters are often flawed and complex, with motivations that are rooted in their social and economic circumstances. In contrast, Victorian novelists often rely on archetypal characters and stereotypes to convey moral lessons and social commentary. These characters are often larger than life and represent ideals or vices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Realism and Victorian novels are two distinct literary movements with their own unique attributes. While Realism focuses on depicting everyday life and social issues in a realistic manner, Victorian novels tend to have more romantic and melodramatic themes. Realist writers strive for objectivity and accuracy in their writing style, while Victorian novelists often employ a more ornate and elaborate style. Additionally, Realism emerged as a response to the social changes of the 19th century, while Victorian novels reflect the values and ideals of the Victorian era. Despite these differences, both movements have made significant contributions to the literary canon and continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars alike.