In the context of British literature, what does the term "Victorian" refer to?

The term "Victorian" specifically refers to the era during Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901. This period is characterized by significant cultural, political, and social changes in Britain, along with dramatic developments in literature, art, and science. The Victorian era is marked by a surge in industrialization, the expansion of the British Empire, and an emphasis on moral rigor and social responsibility, all of which influenced the literary works produced during this time. Prominent writers like Charles Dickens, George Eliot, Thomas Hardy, and the Brontë sisters emerged, crafting stories that explored complex social issues, individual morality, and the human condition, reflective of the values and struggles of Victorian society.

Other periods mentioned, such as Romanticism and Modernism, represent different literary movements with distinct characteristics and timelines, while the English Restoration period is earlier than the Victorian era, focusing on the return of Charles II in 1660 and the literary developments that followed. This historical context reinforces why the definition of "Victorian" is accurately linked to Queen Victoria's reign.