Why Victorian Era Novels Used Diary Entries, Newspaper Articles, and Letters
Victorian literature is renowned for its unique narrative styles, including the use of diary entries, newspaper articles, and letters. Notable works such as Dracula by Bram Stoker and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson exemplify this rhetorical choice. This technique was not merely an aesthetic preference but was deeply rooted in the context of the time and the narrative strategies available during the Victorian era.
Serial Publications and Literary Tools
During the Victorian era, many novels, including those by Charles Dickens, were serialized in periodicals. For example, Dickens published David Copperfield as a series of installments in the Daily News. The use of periodicals as a publishing medium was convenient for authors and publishers alike. It allowed stories to be broken into manageable chunks and published over time, increasing reader engagement and curiosity. This serialization technique also disguised the laborious process of writing, making the narrative seem more authentic.
The Bourgeoning Middle Class and Market Opportunities
The Victorian era saw a significant growth in the middle class in England. This demographic represented a large and eager readership, expanding the market for literary works. The middle class was particularly interested in reading about the occult, science, literature, and philosophy. Additionally, the feminist movement gained momentum during this time, sparking interest in women’s rights and gender roles. The diverse interests of the Victorian readership created a fertile ground for literary experimentation and innovation.
Development of First-Person Perspective
The use of first-person narratives, particularly through diary entries and letters, also played a significant role in the evolution of narrative techniques. One of the main challenges in first-person narratives is providing adequate framing and context. Authors needed a way to explain why characters were sharing their personal accounts and why these accounts were being presented in print. This led to the development of framing devices that provided the necessary narrative framework. For instance, H.G. Wells and Edgar Rice Burroughs incorporated oral narratives into their epistolary works, offering explanations for the character's explanatory diaries or letters.
Orson Welles and the Medium of Radio
The impact of technology on narrative techniques is also evident in the work of Orson Welles. His infamous adaptation of The War of the Worlds on the radio in 1938 demonstrated how the medium of radio could be used to tell complex stories. This medium, like newspapers, provided a new way to engage with the audience and create suspense and tension. The use of diary entries, letters, and newspaper articles in literature can be seen as a precursor to these modern narrative techniques.
Conclusion
The narrative choices of Victorian authors, such as the use of diary entries, newspaper articles, and letters, were influenced by the publishing context, the interests of the middle class, and the evolution of narrative forms. These techniques not only provided a framework for exploring complex themes but also contributed to the development of first-person perspectives in literature. Understanding the historical and cultural context of Victorian literature helps us appreciate the ingenuity and depth of these narrative choices.