Victorian Literature:
Quick Overview on the Victorian Era:
In terms of literature, the Victorian movement emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria, around 1830-1900. The Victorian period displayed change and upheaval. The transition from agriculture to industry as a way of life took its toll on rural residents. Many farmers moved from the country into urban slums to work in industry, and despair became a common theme of novels from this period (Rahn, 2011). During this time of change, new inequalities arose and writers focused on pointing out these injustices through their writing. Writers emphasized an ideal age by instructing the world how to live with moral messages such as truth, justice, love, and brotherhood (Patel, 2014). The Victorian Era was significant because it took the day-to-day struggles of people in England and penned them in literature, often in a fictional genre, to endure for future generations to read.
Victoria of the United Kingdom
by Alexander Bassano, used under 
Why Victorian Literature was revolutionary:
Victorian literature displays the hopelessness of the people in England. The literature communicates the frustrations of the people, mostly those in the poor social class.
Victorian literature advocates for a change in the current power balance.
Victorian literature raises questions on whether ideas are right or wrong. The stories persuade readers to think about ethical implications.
Victorian literature offers a change that is revolutionary – not evolutionary. It’s a quick change – a new beginning that overthrew literature before it.
Victorian literature is dynamic — not static. The ideas of the Victorian Era sparked further change and progress in literature – even to this day.
References:
Bassano, A. (1882). Victoria of the United Kingdom. [Portrait]. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Victoria-sm.jpg. Public domain image.
Connell, E. (2014, April 2). The Victorian Age. Retrieved from Norton Anthology of English Literature: https://www.wwnorton.com/college/english/nael/victorian/welcome.htm
Patel, R. (2014, April 2). Literature of the Victorian Era. Retrieved from Ezine Articles: http://ezinearticles.com/?Literature-of-the-Victorian-Era—4-General-Characteristics-of-Victorian-Literature&id=1765059
Rahn, Josh. (2011). Victorian Literature. The Literature Network. n.pag. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
Townsted, F. G. (1961). The Teaching of Victorian Literature. In College English Volume 22 (pp. 347-350). National Council of Teachers of English.