This is a period named from the first monarch of England whose name was synonymous with her reign. It was marked with enormous developments ranging from agriculture, industrial revolution to conquest and expansion of the Kingdom to new lands. This saw the advancement not only in knowledge, but also, in technology, medical sciences, and population growth as well. As a result, the transformation led to prosperity and economic boom as witnessed by confident and optimistic people which placed Britain on the world map. Also, this era during the 19th century is associated with work ethic, religion and institutional faith, and family values. Also, they explored and conquered new geographical territories leading to the opening up and expansion of their reign. For example, King Arthur inquires from his knight what he saw on the land, “What is it though has seen? Or what hast heard?” (Wolfson et al, 1253). Further, Victorians were characterized by politics as they believed in evolved systems of governments such as liberalism, socialism, and feminism that were exported and exercised across the territories of Empires.
Conversely, it was marked by different developments as signified by the age of advancement, which realized the invention of antiseptics in medicine, the steam engine, and the railway leading to ease of movements for people. Besides, during the age of reforms education for children was made compulsory, child labor, factories, and mines safety legislation reforms were implemented (Wolfson et al.). In addition, slavery and unfair treatment of workers throughout all its empires were abolished. Further, the period of self-scrutiny led to the evolvement of poets and writers who integrated quest into writings where they reflected peoples’ doubts on social issues like religion, gender, and classes. This was highlighted through the poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Charles Darwin writings. These authors gave precedence to religion and belief in a mighty being, “God, once caught in the fact, shows you a fair pair of heels”, (Wolfson et al, 1258). Besides, this age saw the start of literature which led to modernism witnessed in the 20th century. However, in the later stages, radical changes were introduced in poetry and many other literary scrutiny thinking writings.
During this period, writers saw the world from the view of their characters, and religious ideas were emphasized, “God whom we see not is: and God, who is not, we see:” (Wolfson et al, 1259). Although the people were curious and questioned the existence of other forces beyond their understanding, they believed in the unforeseeable power. Further, literature elements, especially in poetry, were introduced and they transcended to the modern period. There are examples of dramatic monologue as a style. Lord Tennyson highlights his thoughts on the world through various characters. In Idylls of the King, he asks if it is beneficial for a servant to obey a king for an act that is not profitable to him (1253). Also, the idea of a quest is integrated into literature by portraying characters as those who wanted to tour the world. In Crossing the Bar, Tennyson asserts that “And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark” (Wolfson et al, 1259). All the above inventions and developments make the period to be referred to as Victorian.
Controversies from the Industrial Age that Remain to Present
There are many controversies whose origin can be traced to the industrial revolution experienced in Britain. As such religion, was started and remains with varied beliefs crises in the world. For instance, Darwin starts by writing on natural selection, he later believes that nature came into being, and all other processes are facilitated by supernatural powers. On the other hand, there are numerous examples where the author highlights the life of plants in different regions. According to him, plants compete with each other depending on the conditions and adapt to nature alluding to his belief that the strongest survives in nature. “There might be competition between individuals or few species for damp or warm spots” (Wolfson et al, 1276). Further, through his biography, he admits that although when he began writing the Origin of Species he didn’t believe in any other power, after the travel experiences, he expresses his conviction that there is God.
Further, he gives an example of the minds of children that are undeveloped yet, has a strong belief in the Almighty. Conversely, in the beginning, he argues against the New Testament by calling it a damn doctrine where his friends will be punished if they don’t have a belief (Wolfson et al, 1289). This is a contradiction that exists currently with atheists against faith as well as Christians with a different mode of worship but believing in one supreme being. While the industrial age was one of the major transformative eras experienced in the world, it started in the United Kingdom and spread to other regions. Areas like agriculture, epidemics, and culture remain controversial in the present world. For instance, an increase in crop yield led to the abolition of agrarian and feudalism systems. The present world is marked by modern farming with machines that result in the production of more food. Yet, crop diseases and bad weather persist and remain a challenge to modern farming.
Darwin expounds that climate is an integral determinant of both plants and other species during extreme weather seasons. He further asserts that the severity leads to epidemics. Further, they result in tremendous and severe destruction leading to the death of man (Wolfson et al, 1275). Currently, many diseases are afflicting people and they remain a challenge just like during the industrial period. In addition, culture is another area that is challenging and controversial to people. While describing the Red Indians in one of his voyages, at one incident, Darwin likens an old man entertaining them to an act of making noise.
He asserts that their languages are not articulate and recalls that Captain Cook related them to instances when a man cleared his throat which was unlike European since it was hoarse (Wolfson et al, 1264). People’s way of life is in continual development and different regions have their own culture which is ever-evolving. Besides, the struggle by people and plants for existence as highlighted by Darwin continues to the present. He asserted that he uses the term to illustrate a metaphor on the importance of the interdependence of the people and their ability to leave their offspring (Wolfson et al, 1273). This is witnessed in the current where people continue giving birth to preserve their lineage.
Work Cited
Wolfson, Susan, et al. The Longman Anthology of British Literature. 5th ed. Vol. 2a, Pearson Longman, 2012.