1. Moral and Ethical Preoccupations: Victorian authors were deeply concerned with morality and ethics, reflecting the prevailing social and religious values of the era. Themes of right and wrong, duty, virtue, and social responsibility often pervaded their works.
2. Social Commentary: Many Victorian writers used literature as a means to comment on and critique social issues. Works often addressed class divisions, poverty, women's rights, industrialization, and social injustice, reflecting the rapidly changing society of the time.
3. Realism: Realism emerged as a dominant literary style during the Victorian age. Writers aimed to depict society and human nature as they were, often portraying ordinary individuals in everyday situations and focusing on minute details.
4. Sentimentality and Pathos: Victorian literature was often characterized by moments of deep sentimentality and emotional outpourings. Authors frequently employed pathos to elicit sympathy and empathy from their readers.
5. Use of Symbolism and Allegory: Victorian writers drew upon symbolic imagery and allegorical elements to convey deeper meanings and messages within their works. Symbols often carried moral, spiritual, or philosophical significance.
6. Detailed and Descriptive Writing: Victorian authors took great care in crafting vivid and elaborate descriptions of their characters, settings, and events. This attention to detail created rich and immersive literary experiences.
7. Exploration of Identity: Identity formation, self-discovery, and personal growth were recurring themes in Victorian literature. Characters were often portrayed on journeys of self-realization and grappling with their own identities and desires.
8. Gothic Elements: The Victorian age saw a fascination with Gothic literature, characterized by dark and macabre themes, supernatural elements, and mysterious settings. Many authors integrated Gothic elements into their works, contributing to a sense of suspense and horror.
9. Serialization: During the Victorian era, many works were initially published in serialized form in periodicals and journals, allowing readers to follow stories in installments. This influenced the narrative structures and pacing of many literary works.
10. Emphasis on Family Values: Victorian literature frequently emphasized the importance of family and domestic life, reflecting the prevailing societal norms and expectations related to familial relations.
These shared characteristics among Victorian writers created a rich and diverse body of literature that encapsulates the cultural, social, and intellectual aspects of the Victorian era.