Dark Victorian novels are marked by their somber tone. They tend to have a lot of moral and ethical dilemmas. The protagonists often face difficult choices that are influenced by the strict social norms of the time. There is a focus on the human condition during that era, with themes of alienation and despair. In addition, the language used is often elaborate and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the dark world within the pages.
Dark Victorian novels often feature gloomy settings like the fog - filled streets of London. They typically explore complex social issues such as poverty, class struggle, and the oppression of women. Characters may be morally ambiguous, and there is often a sense of mystery and suspense. For example, in 'Bleak House' by Charles Dickens, the complex legal system and the dark, dirty environment are vividly depicted.
The use of complex characters was another feature. Characters were often multi - dimensional. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff is not simply a villain but a complex figure shaped by his experiences of love, rejection, and social inequality. Victorian novels in general had a rich tapestry of characters that added depth to the stories.
Typically, they explore social issues. Victorian society was full of class distinctions, and novels like 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte deal with the position of women in such a hierarchical society, as well as themes of love and independence in the face of social norms.
Short Victorian novels often had a focus on moral lessons. For example, 'A Christmas Carol' aimed to teach about the importance of kindness and generosity. They also tended to explore social issues of the time, like class differences.
The Victorian Imperialism Novels typically had complex characters. There were often protagonists who were involved in the imperial projects, either as administrators, soldiers, or adventurers. These characters were used to convey the values and attitudes of the time towards imperialism. The settings in these novels were diverse, ranging from the bustling streets of London to the wild landscapes of the colonies. They also sometimes reflected the economic interests of the empire. For instance, the exploitation of resources in the colonies was sometimes a sub - plot, showing how the empire was built on economic exploitation as well as on ideas of cultural and racial superiority.
Well, they often have complex characters. For example, in many of these novels, the protagonists are full of intense emotions. They might be torn between love and duty, like in some of Charlotte Bronte's works. The settings are usually detailed, painting a vivid picture of Victorian society, whether it's the grand mansions or the poor slums. And the language is often flowery and elaborate, which adds to the overall romantic atmosphere of the stories.
Well, modern Victorian novels typically show a continuation of the rich character development that was a hallmark of Victorian novels. However, they may incorporate more diverse perspectives. They can have characters from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, which was not as prevalent in the original Victorian novels. And in terms of style, modern Victorian novels might use more concise language compared to the often elaborate and wordy style of traditional Victorian works.
One characteristic is that they were a form of rebellion in a way. Despite the repressive social environment regarding sex, some of these novels tried to expose the reality of human sexual nature. They might have complex characterizations where the characters' sexual desires were intertwined with their social status and personal growth. For example, a character's struggle with sexual feelings could be related to their attempts to fit into the upper - class Victorian society.
One characteristic is the elaborate plots. These novels build up suspense gradually. For example, the clues are scattered throughout the story, and the detective has to piece them together. Also, the characters are well - developed. There are often side characters who may be suspects or provide key information. The moral and ethical aspects of the Victorian society are also explored, as the detective often has to make decisions based on what is right and wrong in that context.
They often have a gloomy and mysterious atmosphere. For example, in many Victorian Gothic novels, there are old, decaying mansions which are full of secrets. The settings play a big role in creating that spooky feeling.
They often have complex plots. For example, in Dickens' novels, there are numerous sub - plots interwoven. Also, they usually feature a large cast of characters representing different social classes, like in 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot. And moral lessons are frequently conveyed through the stories.