Victorian literature

In this unit you will examine texts published during Queen Victoria's reign of Britain (1837-1901), such as fiction, poetry, drama and periodicals. You will encounter novels published by canonical authors (e.g. Charles Dickens and the Bronte sisters), but will also consider how the period was characterised by diverse voices (e.g. Christina Rossetti) and varied literary forms and genres (e.g. the dramatic monologue and the Gothic). Reading Victorian literature enables the exploration of seismic developments in science, empire, politics and gender relations. The 'Victorian' can be also understood as a mindset: you will observe its continuing legacy in contemporary literature and culture.