Bridging the Gap between the Victorian Novel and Modern English Novel

Abstract

This study aims at finding out the similarities and differences between the Victorian novel and English modern novel; a case study is conducted on Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf‘s selected novels; (Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, The Voyage Out and To the Lighthouse).The researcher adopted descriptive analytic methods. The sample consists of four works, two for each writer. The materials of the four works are used as collected data; to be described, discussed, and analyzed in the light of the similarities between Victorian and English modern novel. However, conclusions are drawn and recommendations are offered. Accordingly, the study has arrived at a number of findings, among them are: that there are similarities between the four works. Writers of different eras cannot step out of their age for they are the product of their age, culture and civilization, some modern novels are sure to face obsolescence ,Charles Dickens and Virginia Woolf writings strongly support the idea that there is no demarcation between literary eras, both Dickens and Woolf explained issues entirely relevant such as injustice but they differ in the manner of carrying them ,both works of the two writers are of universal significance so they transcended their ages and social reform is a theme in both eras. In the Victorian era, the stress was on the society while in the modern age, the focus was on the individual and the individual is the kernel of society. Some recommendations are that Dickens‘ works are good for those who want to read books and for students of literature or students of social services as well all over the world. Also Victorian and modern writings are better to be introduced to contemporary readers as well as coming readers as they are complementary so that generation continuity be achieved. Some topics are suggested for further study such as: the effect of religion as reflected in Victorian and modern novel and the treatment of sex in the Victorian and modern English novel.