Social Issues In The Victorian Era

The Victorian era, being the period ruled by Queen Elizabeth, was the longest reign in British history. The long period from 1837 to 1901 (the year Queen Elizabeth died) was the period of social, political and intellectual changes. This age was characterized by rapid change and development in nearly every sphere- from advances in medical, scientific, and technological knowledge to changes in population growth and location. Over time these sudden changes and huge transformation deeply affected the country’s mood. It was an age that began confidence and optimism resulting into economic boom and prosperity that further gave outlet to uncertainty and doubt related to various facts in the surviving world. This era even marks the emergence of modern and European nationalism. Victorian era is also known as the richest era of literary works – drama, poems, and novels. The people at this time became more educated and they demanded more literature than only poetry, so this mark the beginning of novel. The literature written in this period is all about important issues of society. As compared to poetry, novels were given more importance as they represented the middle sections of the society whereas poetry was only read by elite class and is considered as the most pure form of art. It was novel which was very much

Dickens treats a variety of social issues in Great Expectation. Apart from prejudices, pride, poverty, social status, and class consciousness, materialism is another aspect shown in the novel. After becoming rich and getting such a big fortune Pip moves to London. The materialistic world and the very fancy surroundings appeal him to get indulge in unfaithful activities and adopts very unpleasant traits. Such activities were very much prevailing in those days when changes were taking place in society of England. He becomes a parasite on society, useless, snobbish, and indolent. He forgets all his true relations and tries all evil ways to owe money, status, power,