Victorian Age | Part-2 | Victorian Poetry and Drama | English Literature

Rubeena Yusuf

25 Jun 202209:01

Summary

TLDRThis video script delves into Victorian poetry and drama, highlighting key figures like Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. It discusses Tennyson's fame for empathizing with people's sorrows in his poetry, Browning's struggle for recognition and his dramatic monologues, and the romantic partnership of Elizabeth and Robert. The script also touches on the political marriage of Browning and Barrett, and their subsequent fame, along with other poets like Matthew Arnold and Christina Rossetti. It provides a glimpse into the Victorian era's literary landscape, including children's literature and the drama forms prevalent at the time, with a special mention of Oscar Wilde as a prominent dramatist.

Takeaways

📚 The video discusses Victorian poetry and drama, focusing on the second part of a series after discussing Victorian age and knowledge in part one.
🎓 Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, and Elizabeth Barrett Browning are highlighted as prominent poets of the Victorian era.
🏛 Tennyson was famous for his empathetic poetry that resonated with people's sorrows, with his first published poem 'In Memoriam A.H.H.' reflecting on the death of his friend Arthur Hallam.
📖 Robert Browning was known for his dramatic monologues, a form he innovated by combining poetry and drama, exemplified in his work 'The Ring and the Book'.
💔 The personal lives of poets, such as the marriage of Elizabeth Barrett Browning and Robert Browning against societal norms, played a significant role in their popularity.
🏆 Tennyson was honored as the Poet Laureate of England in 1850, a testament to his fame and the esteem in which his work was held.
🌐 Elizabeth Barrett Browning was not only popular in England but also in the United States, reflecting the global reach of Victorian literature.
📝 Matthew Arnold was a critic and poet known for his reflective and philosophical poetry, with 'Dover Beach' being one of his notable works.
🌟 Christina Rossetti was a poet and the sister of the famous writer and critic Dante Gabriel Rossetti, known for her works like 'Goblin Market and Other Poems'.
🎭 Oscar Wilde was a significant playwright of the Victorian era, with plays like 'The Importance of Being Earnest' and 'Lady Windermere's Fan'.
📚 The script also touches on the emergence of children's literature as a distinct genre during the Victorian period.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video discussed in the script?
-The main topic of the video is discussing Victorian poetry and drama, focusing on various poets and their works.
Which poet's work is mentioned as being very famous and expressive of people's sorrows?
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson's work is mentioned as being very famous for expressing people's sorrows in his poetry.
What significant event in Tennyson's life is discussed in the script?
-The script discusses Tennyson leaving Cambridge University without a degree in 1831 and the death of his close friend, Henry Alford, which deeply affected him.
What is the name of the poem written by Tennyson to express his grief over the death of his friend?
-The poem written by Tennyson to express his grief is called 'Break, Break, Break'.
Who is Robert Browning and how is he related to Victorian poetry?
-Robert Browning is a prominent Victorian poet known for his dramatic monologues and his unique style, which was not always clear to his readers.
What is the term used to describe the form that Browning introduced to poetry?
-The term used to describe the form that Browning introduced is 'dramatic monologue'.
What significant event in Browning's life contributed to his popularity?
-Browning's popularity increased significantly after he eloped and married Elizabeth Barrett against her father's wishes.
Which poet is mentioned as having a brother who was a painter and translator?
-Matthew Arnold, who had a brother named Thomas Arnold, a painter and translator, is mentioned in the script.
What is the name of the poetess who was the sister of the famous novelist and poet, George Eliot?
-The poetess mentioned is Christina Rossetti, who was the sister of George Eliot.
Which poet is noted for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature and also an Audio Award?
-Rudyard Kipling is noted for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature and an Audio Award.
What is the term used to describe the literature written specifically for children during the Victorian era?
-The term used to describe literature written specifically for children during the Victorian era is 'children's literature'.
Who is mentioned as the most famous dramatist of the Victorian era?
-Oscar Wilde is mentioned as the most famous dramatist of the Victorian era.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Victorian Poetry and Drama Overview

This paragraph introduces the topic of Victorian poetry and drama, focusing on the second part of a series that already discussed Victorian aspects in the first part. It mentions the discussion of Victorian excesses and knowledge in the previous part and encourages viewers to watch it for context. The paragraph then delves into the works of Victorian poets such as Alfred Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Matthew Arnold, and others, highlighting their contributions and personal stories. It also touches on Tennyson's fame, his departure from Cambridge without a degree, and the impact of his friend's death on his work. The paragraph concludes with a mention of Robert Browning's dramatic monologues and his marriage to Elizabeth Barrett Browning, which brought him significant fame.

05:01

🎭 Influential Victorian Poets and Their Works

The second paragraph continues the exploration of Victorian poetry, discussing the popularity of Elizabeth Barrett Browning in both England and the United States. It outlines her early poetry career, her social advocacy, and her nomination for the Order of the Lotus for her contributions to poetry. The paragraph also covers the works of Matthew Arnold, known for his critical views and his notable poem 'Dover Beach.' It mentions other poets like Christina Rossetti, Jordan Vale, and Rudyard Kipling, each with their unique contributions to Victorian literature. The paragraph concludes with a brief overview of Victorian drama, mentioning Oscar Wilde as a prominent dramatist and discussing the common forms and themes in Victorian plays, such as melodrama and historical plays.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Victorian Poetry

Victorian Poetry refers to the body of poetry written during the Victorian era in the United Kingdom, which is characterized by its exploration of social issues, emotional depth, and formal innovation. In the video, Victorian poetry is the central theme, with discussions on various poets and their works, such as Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Browning, highlighting the significance of their poetry in reflecting the sentiments and societal norms of the time.

💡Alfred Lord Tennyson

Alfred Lord Tennyson was a prominent poet during the Victorian era, known for his deep exploration of personal emotions and societal concerns. The video script mentions Tennyson's fame, his empathetic nature in his poetry, and his famous poem 'Break, Break, Break,' which expresses the grief he experienced due to the death of his friend, Henry Alford.

💡Robert Browning

Robert Browning is another key figure in Victorian poetry, recognized for his dramatic monologues and innovative use of language. The script notes Browning's struggle for popularity and his unique style, which was not always clear to readers. His work 'Pauline: A Fragment of a Confession' is mentioned, illustrating his contribution to the dramatic monologue form.

💡Dramatic Monologue

A Dramatic Monologue is a form of poetry where one character speaks to another, revealing their thoughts and feelings. Browning is credited with popularizing this form in Victorian poetry. The video script refers to Browning's 'Pauline' as an example of a dramatic monologue, showcasing the character's inner turmoil and emotional depth.

💡Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Elizabeth Barrett Browning was a significant poet and the wife of Robert Browning. She gained fame not only for her poetry but also for her unconventional marriage to Browning against her father's wishes. The video mentions her influence on her husband's popularity and her own success as a poet, with works like 'Sonnets from the Portuguese' and 'Aurora Leigh'.

💡Matthew Arnold

Matthew Arnold was a poet and cultural critic known for his reflective and philosophical approach to poetry. The script refers to Arnold as a 'point' and an 'equity,' indicating his status as a critic and his influential work 'Culture and Anarchy,' which reflects on the role of culture in society.

💡Christina Rossetti

Christina Rossetti was a poet and artist, known for her exploration of themes such as love, death, and spirituality. The video script mentions her as the sister of the famous poet and critic Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Her notable works, such as 'Goblin Market,' are highlighted, reflecting her contribution to Victorian poetry.

💡Jordan Water

Jordan Water is mentioned in the script as a 'point' who later became a priest and dedicated his life to the court. His poetry, published posthumously, reflects his journey from writing secular works to focusing on religious themes.

💡Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was an influential English writer, known for his short stories, novels, and poems. The script notes that Kipling was born in Mumbai and received the Nobel Prize for Literature. His work 'If—' is mentioned, exemplifying his exploration of themes like perseverance and stoicism.

💡Victorian Drama

Victorian Drama refers to the theatrical works produced during the Victorian era, which often dealt with social issues and moral dilemmas. The script mentions Oscar Wilde as a prominent dramatist of the Victorian era, known for plays like 'Lady Windermere's Fan' and 'Ideal Husband,' which were significant for their wit and commentary on society.

💡Children's Literature

Children's Literature is a genre of writing specifically intended for young readers. The video script mentions that children's literature was also produced during the Victorian era, with authors creating works to entertain and educate children, reflecting the growing importance of literature for younger audiences.

Highlights

Introduction to Victorian poetry and drama, including a discussion on the second part of the Victorian era.

Alfred Lord Tennyson's fame for capturing people's sorrows in his poetry.

Tennyson's first published poem 'In Memoriam A.H.H.' and its significance.

Tennyson's departure from Cambridge University without a degree in 1831.

The death of Tennyson's close friend and its profound impact on his work.

Tennyson's 'Break, Break, Break' poem as an expression of his grief.

Robert Browning's unique style and struggle for popularity in poetry.

Browning's dramatic monologues and their innovative form.

The marriage of Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett, causing a sensation in society.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's popularity in both England and the United States.

Matthew Arnold's critical role as a poet and critic, influencing literary culture.

Christina Rossetti's contribution to poetry with her collection 'Goblin Market and Other Poems'.

The exploration of dramatic forms in Victorian drama, including Oscar Wilde's significant plays.

Oscar Wilde's famous plays such as 'Lady Windermere's Fan' and 'Ideal Husband'.

The inclusion of children's literature in the Victorian era, with notable authors discussed.

The conclusion summarizing the exploration of Victorian poetry and drama, encouraging viewer engagement.