Victorian Poetry

Romantic poetry from the previous era often depicted the human pursuit of knowledge and power as beautiful and ideal. The Victorian era, under the reign of Queen Victoria, challenged many of the previously held beliefs. Radical social change helped alter the styles and beliefs of Victorian poets. Generally speaking, characteristics of Victorian poetry included sensory language to demonstrate struggles between religion and science, a realistic view of nature, social responsibility, as well as a return to or interest in medieval legends or fables.

Essential Question

• What can Victorian poetry reveal about the time period or the mindset of Victorian writers?