19th Century Authors: A Review

 

To be observed by those of us immersed in the literary world, the 1800s prove to be a jam-packed century, full to the brim with authors, poets and geniuses of literature. Of all centuries, I personally find the 19th to be most intriguing. England saw the Regency Period within the Georgian era, as the Prince Regent ruled on behalf of his inept father. Then Queen Victoria became this nation's monarch at the age of 18 and in the year 1837, igniting the Victorian era into motion, which lasted for the rest of the century. We benefit today from the books that were written during these times; we still read them 200 years later, eagerly devouring their contents. What exactly were they and who wrote them?

Let's start with Jane Austen. 

Within her lifetime of only 41 years, she wrote six complete novels and they are stunning masterpieces. Besides Sanditon, her unfinished novel, and her juvenilia, she managed to create and publish four books before her death in 1817. Two of her novels were published posthumously and entitled by her brother and sister, Henry and Cassandra. These were Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. 

In 1811, Jane Austen published her first book, Sense and Sensibility, followed in 1813 by Pride and Prejudice. In 1814, she published Mansfield Park and in 1815, Emma appeared to amaze audiences yet again. Her ability to combine themes and characterisation has been sparkling proof of her genius and talent.  She could orchestrate such gripping and memorable storylines, which have become so popular and have stood the test of time. While Jane Austen wrote about people and society, often with a satirical take on the conventions of her day, she didn't dive in the deep end with the harsh realities of life as Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte did. In her books, her characters encountered problems, but these were eventually resolved and she left her heroines in a state of sheer bliss and comfort upon closing the final page.  

Charles Dickens and Charlotte Bronte, both Victorian authors coming after Jane's primarily Regency existence, painted pictures that reflected their own experience and didn't shy away from poverty, pain and the depths of emotion found in their characters' journeys. These were mostly set in Victorian England, where the challenges encountered often revolved around inner turmoil and problematic external circumstances. For example, Jane Eyre becomes a governess and along her journey, she battles with the knowledge of her status, her own opinion of herself and the love she feels for her employer, Mr. Rochester. Charlotte Bronte succeeded in making Jane a very lovable heroine; the reader longs for her to be happy and reads on until they can see her so. In Great Expectations, Charles Dickens reveals Pip as a changing man, on a pathway of transformation, being shaped by events in his life and the people surrounding him. Again, Victorian England provides an interesting backdrop for the riveting plot. 

Charles Dickens - one of the greats undoubtedly and a man who was passionate about all he fought for during his lifetime. Charlotte Bronte - a stunning young woman, who wrote from her heart. I admire them both very much.

What I find most interesting about Charlotte is how the details of Jane Eyre reflect her own life experiences. She, too, was a governess, but instead of Thornfield, Brussels in Belgium was the assigned location. She, like Jane Eyre, met a man she fell in love with, only to find out that he was already married. It is unlikely his living wife was mad like Bertha Rochester, but it is exceptionally interesting to discover this parallel between Charlotte's life and Jane's. To find the inspiration that motivated her to write such a splendid narrative and it's evident that the pain was real - she knew what her heroine had been through. Jane Eyre is described as a semi-autobiographical novel and now you know why.

Elizabeth Barret Browning: a poet. And the heroine of a deep romance that really happened. Robert Browning married her and they escaped from her draconian father, who disowned her and cut her off, simply because she married him.  Having to choose between obedience to her father or lifelong bliss with her husband must have been tough. But she poured out her heart on paper and "How Do I Love Thee?" or Sonnet 43 is filled with her most ardent admiration for Robert. Her commitment to him was a brave step and Elizabeth was a courageous woman. I infinitely admire her. 

Then there was Lucy Maud Montgomery. Born in 1874, on what would become her beloved Prince Edward Island, Lucy was a terrific writer. Her characters are so memorable and her creativity so fantastic. Her imagination was vivid from the days of her childhood, so that her famous heroines, Anne Shirley and Emily Byrd Starr reflected this (from "Anne of Green Gables" and "Emily of New Moon"). It is evident from her amazing books that she poured her heart and soul into each syllable, each word, each page. Writing in depth and at length, her style is descriptive and enchanting. Her charming way of portraying the world through the eyes of an exceptional individual (often a child) makes her books so worthwhile. 

And lastly, I would like to mention Louisa May Alcott. Basing her most famous book, Little Women, in the 1860s and setting it in America, she wrote about the four March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. This lovable story has been adapted for screen several times and continues to thrill audiences today, as warmly as when it was first published. Based on the authoress and her three sisters, it is a stunning piece of work, originally published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869. The first is entitled Little Women and the second, Good Wives. 

To end this review, I would just like to say that there are more poets and authors from this century, who are equally as brilliant and amazing, but above are the several favourites of mine, whom I very much adore and whose work I love and take interest in. 

Which 19th century stars do you think shine the brightest? Which do you like best? Do comment below and share your thoughts.