1. Realism and Naturalism: Victorian literature emphasized realism and often focused on ordinary people and commonplace situations, as well as incorporating naturalistic themes and settings.
2. Social Criticism: Many Victorian writers, such as Charles Dickens, used their writing as a vehicle for social criticism and commentary on issues such as poverty, class inequality, and the struggles of the working class.
3. Morality: Victorian literature often had strong moral messages, with characters grappling with issues of right and wrong, and occasionally using religious or philosophical themes.
4. Romanticism: Despite its emphasis on realism, Victorian literature also drew heavily from romantic literature of the earlier period, with a focus on emotion and sentimentality.
5. Idealization of Women: Victorian literature frequently presented an idealized view of women as moral, virtuous, and self-sacrificing, often in contrast to male characters who were portrayed as flawed or immoral.
6. Gothic Elements: Victorian literature often incorporated gothic and supernatural elements, such as haunted houses, ghosts, and mysterious events.
7. Satire and Humor: Many Victorian writers used satire and humor to critique society and its values, often poking fun at the absurdities and contradictions of everyday life.
What were some of the main characteristics of Victorian literature?
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