Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Victorian era, spanning the reign of Queen Victoria, was a period of immense social, economic, and technological transformation in Britain. While outwardly characterized by strict moral codes and a sense of propriety, the era was deeply marked by internal contradictions and profound moral dilemmas. These arose from the collision of traditional religious beliefs with the rise of scientific inquiry, the stark realities of industrialization and class division, and evolving understandings of sexuality and gender roles. The Victorian conscience, therefore, was often torn between conflicting values, creating a fertile ground for literary exploration and social reform.
The Crisis of Faith and the Rise of Science
The Victorian period witnessed a significant challenge to established religious beliefs due to advancements in scientific thought. Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species (1859) presented a theory of evolution that directly contradicted literal interpretations of the Bible’s creation story. This created a moral dilemma for many: could one reconcile faith with scientific evidence? The Oxford Movement within the Church of England attempted to reaffirm Catholic traditions, while others embraced a more liberal theology. This tension is reflected in the works of Alfred Lord Tennyson, whose poetry often grapples with doubt and the loss of religious certainty.
Social Inequality and the ‘Condition of England’ Question
The Industrial Revolution brought unprecedented wealth but also widespread poverty and social inequality. The ‘Condition of England’ question – how to address the plight of the working class – became a central moral concern. Figures like Charles Dickens vividly depicted the harsh realities of urban life and the exploitation of the poor in novels like Oliver Twist (1838) and Hard Times (1854). The dilemma lay in balancing economic progress with social justice. Philanthropic efforts and social reforms, such as the Factory Acts (beginning in 1833), attempted to mitigate the worst effects of industrialization, but the fundamental inequalities remained.
Sexual Morality and the ‘Fallen Woman’
Victorian society placed a strong emphasis on sexual restraint, particularly for women. However, the era also saw a rise in prostitution and anxieties surrounding female sexuality. The figure of the ‘fallen woman’ – a woman who had lost her virtue – became a recurring trope in Victorian literature and art. This presented a moral dilemma: how to punish or redeem women who transgressed societal norms? Writers like Thomas Hardy explored the consequences of societal hypocrisy and the limited options available to women in novels like Tess of the d'Urbervilles (1891). The Contagious Diseases Acts (1864, 1866, 1869) attempted to control the spread of venereal diseases, but were controversial as they subjected women to medical examination while largely ignoring the responsibility of men.
Imperialism and Moral Responsibility
The expansion of the British Empire raised complex moral questions about colonialism and the treatment of colonized peoples. While many Victorians believed in the ‘civilizing mission’ of empire, others questioned the morality of imposing British rule on other cultures. The Indian Mutiny of 1857, for example, prompted a reassessment of British policies in India and sparked debates about the responsibilities of imperial power. The dilemma was whether the benefits of empire – economic prosperity, technological advancement – justified the exploitation and subjugation of colonized populations.
The Rise of Utilitarianism and its Limitations
Utilitarianism, championed by thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, offered a seemingly rational framework for moral decision-making – maximizing happiness for the greatest number of people. However, this approach faced criticism for potentially justifying actions that harmed individuals in the pursuit of collective well-being. The dilemma lay in balancing individual rights with the overall good of society. Mill’s later writings attempted to address these concerns by emphasizing the importance of individual liberty and minority rights.
Conclusion
The Victorian age was a period of profound moral questioning, driven by rapid social and intellectual change. The dilemmas faced by Victorians – reconciling faith and science, addressing social inequality, navigating sexual morality, and grappling with the responsibilities of empire – were not easily resolved. These tensions shaped Victorian literature, art, and social reform movements, leaving a lasting legacy on British society and beyond. The era’s moral complexities continue to resonate today, reminding us that progress often comes with difficult choices and unresolved contradictions.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.