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

Summary

This 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.