3.

THE HISTORICAL ERA

Since “The Signalman” by Charles Dickens was set and published during the
Victorian era, here’s a brief explication.

3.1 VICTORIAN ERA

The Victorian Era, spanning the duration of Queen Victoria’s rule from 1837 –
1901, is characterized by the expanding horizons of education and literacy, as well
as by an increased desire of the people to question religion and politics.

The Victorian era also marks a time of great economic growth, technological
discovery, and industrialization. Many writers reacted to both the wonders of this
Industrial Revolution as well as to the troubles of an industrialized society. Also
during the Victorian Era, the influence of literature became more prevalent in society
as reading evolved into a social pastime indicated by the increasing literacy rate. At
the era’s beginning in 1837, it is estimated that approximately half of the adult male
population was literate to a certain degree. 

The novel could be considered one facet of the Victorians’ literary exploration. It
continued to develop and eventually became the prominent medium for written
expression. In the framework of the novel, realism emerged as a notable literary
characteristic of the period.

3.2 REALISM MOVEMENT

Realism Literature was introduced during the early stages of the Victorian Era.
This form of literature is probably the most popular genre, compared to other genres
before and after the Victorian Era.

like its name, tends to portray situations without much exaggeration. It uses
journalistic techniques and narrative for these writings are factual in nature without
commenting on the situation or the characters. The authors tended leave the
judgement to the readers.