Victorians Chapter 1-3

The Victorian era was an interesting age, according to Gange, due to the vast contrasts and oppositions portrayed through the social and cultural norms. Gange emphasizes the differences between societal expectations then to how they’ve progressed now. For example, “Where we nurture children, the Victorians exploited them; where we pursue equality in class and gender, the Victorians protected institutions that sustained inequality; where we are spontaneous, liberated, and funny, the Victorians were earnest, uptight, and humourless.” (Gange, The Victorians, 4). However, what made this era so important what is the what the Victorians would fight about. This led to open debate, open discussion, freedom of thought and expression which was very progressive considering the people of Britain had been used to being told what to think, feel, and act. While a sense of uneasiness loomed over the British people with this new age, this was one of the first instances where dialogue was documented. The Victorians “debated its every innovation” which ignited a revolution in scientific discovery, the workplace, politics, literature, transportation, communication and so much more that affirms the theme of polarity during this era (Gange, The Victorians, 5).

Another theme that is emphasized is the significance of London in literature and the arts. London happened to be the most written about city in the 1800s and it was home to the music hall which became “a crucial site for analysis of social and cultural transformation” (Gange, The Victorians, 35). The importance of art during this era reflected life of the Victorians. This ranged from the comical struggles of day to day life to political and economic conditions. Additionally, novelists helped create “vivid images of London’s streets” which helped establish a narrative of the Victorians (Gange, The Victorians, 16).

Lastly, a common theme during the Victorian era was the formation of a “national and regional identity” (Gange, The Victorians, 40). The concept of Britishness rose when regions also wanted their own sense of local pride and unity. This provides interesting insight in how regions wanted to keep their identity yet the nation as a whole wanted a united front.