Surrealism Surrealism is a literary and artistic movement that emerged in the early 20th century. The movement is characterized by its exploration...Continue
Write about the main novelists of 20th-century English literature and compare them with the Victorian Novelists.
The 20th century/Modern Age marked a significant shift in English literature. This period witnessed the emergence of novelists who wrestled with the complexities of a rapidly changing world. A comparison between the novelists of the 20th century and their Victorian ancestors reveals a shift in thematic concerns, narrative styles, and a deepening engagement with the nuances of modernity. Here are key points of comparison:
Themes and Social Realism: In the 20th century, writers like Virginia Woolf and D.H. Lawrence explored the inner workings of the human mind and emotions. In works like “Mrs. Dalloway,” Woolf delved into the stream of consciousness. This portrays the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters. On the other hand, Lawrence faced societal norms and the impact of industrialization in novels such as “Lady Chatterley’s Lover.” Victorian novelists, such as Charles Dickens and George Eliot, focused on social realism and the consequences of industrialization.
Narrative Techniques: Modernist writers like James Joyce experimented with narrative techniques. They push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. In “Ulysses,” Joyce employed a stream-of-consciousness technique. He captures the multifaceted nature of thought. Victorian novels typically followed linear narratives with omniscient narrators guiding the reader through the story. In “Great Expectations,” Dickens employs a more traditional narrative structure, often characterized by moral lessons.
“I only ask to be free. The butterflies are free.”
(Charles Dickens, “Bleak House”)
Character Exploration: 20th-century novelists delved into complex character studies. They explore the depths of human psychology. Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse” presents complex character portraits. This reveals the innermost thoughts and emotions of each character.
“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.”
(Virginia Woolf, “A Room of One’s Own”)
Victorian novels often featured larger-than-life characters who embodied virtues or vices. In “Jane Eyre,” Charlotte Brontë creates a strong-willed and independent protagonist. This reflects the Victorian emphasis on moral integrity.
Treatment of Time: Modernist literature experimented with the concept of time. It reflects the disorienting effects of a changing world. In “The Waste Land,” T.S. Eliot utilized fragmented and disjointed imagery to capture the sense of a fractured temporal landscape. Victorian novels typically adhered to chronological storytelling. It mirrors a more structured and ordered perception of time prevalent in the era. In “David Copperfield,” Dickens chronicles the protagonist’s childhood to maturity.
Attitude Toward Tradition: Modernist writers often challenged traditional literary conventions. They embrace avant-garde techniques and question established norms. E.M. Forster, in “A Passage to India,” critiqued colonialism and the clash between Western and Eastern cultures. While addressing societal issues, Victorian literature typically adhered to moral and ethical values. In “Tess of the d’Urbervilles,” Thomas Hardy explores the consequences of societal expectations and the challenges a young woman faces in a strictly moralistic society.
“A strong woman who recklessly throws away her strength, she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away.“
(Thomas Hardy, “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”)
Reflection of Society: Reflecting the turbulence of the early 20th century, novelists like Aldous Huxley in “Brave New World,” envisioned dystopian futures. He explored the dehumanizing effects of technology and mass production. Victorian novels often portrayed the societal issues of their time. In “Oliver Twist,” Dickens sheds light on the harsh conditions of workhouses and the difficulty of orphaned children.
In conclusion, the 20th-century novelists departed from the traditional Victorian narrative styles. They embrace innovative techniques and explore the complexities of human consciousness. Victorian novelists focused on social realism and moral lessons. The 20th-century literature reflects the complexities of modernity.