Victorian novels

Three Victorian novels with the main characters as orphans and several other similarities depicting the Victorian era

Novel: Jane Eyre 

Author: Charlotte Bronte

The novel narrates the tale of Jane Eyre, an orphan who goes through difficult times and is treated badly by her aunt and cousins.

She later becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall and falls in love with her boss, Mr. Rochester, who, on the other hand, discovers a dark secret about him.

The secret is about his marriage to a woman named Bertha Mason, who is mentally ill and kept hidden in the attic of Thornfield Hall. Mr. Rochester has hidden this secret from Jane.

After leaving Thornfield Hall due to a destructive disclosure about Mr. Rochester’s past, Jane Eyre seeks refuge with the Rivers family. She hides her true identity and becomes a governess for their young ward. During her time with the Rivers family, she forms a strong connection with them.

As the story progresses, it is disclosed that Jane is related to the Rivers siblings, Diana, Mary, and St. John, as they are cousins. This disclosure helps Jane find her true family.

Finally, Jane and Mr. Rochester find each other as Mr. Rochester faces a tragic event when he loses his eyesight in a fire at Thornfield Hall, which is set by his mentally unwell wife, Bertha Mason, and the fire becomes the cause of his reconciliation with Jane.

Theme of the Novel

Social class is depicted as one of the themes of the novel.

Novel: Great Expectations

Author: Charles Dickens

Pip, an orphan, is the main character of the novel Great Expectations, who aids an absconded prisoner.

He lives with his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery, who is strict towards him, and her husband, Mr. Joe, to maintain discipline in the household.

Pip is provided with the opportunity to change into a gentleman in London by an anonymous benefactor who helped him financially.

Initially, Pip believes that becoming a gentleman and winning Estella’s love are his top priorities. 

He desires to rise in social class, looking down on his humble origins. However, when he finds that Magwitch, an ex-offender, is his true benefactor, he wrestles with his ethical obligation to assist Magwitch, even if it entails making sacrifices.

Themes of the novel 

The novel explores themes of social class, morality, and the significance of remaining authentic to one’s principles.

Novel: Oliver Twist

Author: Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist is the story of an orphan named Oliver, whose birthplace is a workhouse. His mother dies in the same place shortly after giving him birth.

He is mistreated in the workhouse, and after he runs away from the workhouse, he finds himself in the criminal underbelly of London. He confronts a group of young offenders who teach him pickpocketing and different crimes.

He faces both benevolence and cruelty while making his way through the rough streets of London. 

The novel discloses the enigma of Oliver’s connection to a wealthy family.

Themes of the novel 

The novel explores the harsh realities of poverty, inequality, social injustice, and the struggle for a better life in 19th-century England.

Features of the Victorian era 

The above Victorian novels engage with problems like class inequalities, the etiquette of the Victorian era, harsh working conditions, and child labor.

Pip’s sister’s strictness regarding the household depicts the etiquettes of the Victorian age; child labor can be seen in the above novels; Oliver in the workhouse is treated badly; due to his poverty, he is obligated to work; Jane serves as a governess; Oliver finds himself in the group of criminals.

These novels narrate the story of the bygone era and provide us with a wealth of knowledge about the complexities of the yesteryears.

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