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.
