wyl.p6.t4 Victorian Synthesis

The Victorian Era was a time period exemplified by the standards of prudence and propriety set by Queen Victoria. The time period was a reaction to the Romantic Era because Queen Victoria wished for her citizens to be more focused on reality and the importance of manners. Romanticism had often left its followers without morals, and Queen Victoria wanted a more consistent and fashionable society. This is exemplified by the contrasts between the Victorian painting A Dream of the Past: Sir Isumbras at the Ford by John Everest Millais and Mary Shelley’s romantic Frankenstein.
In the picture, painted in 1857, a knight is seen helping two peasant girls to safety from an overflowing river. The knight looks very chivalrous and is neatly dressed in shining armor. The peasants also appear well-dressed. The one girl looks towards God. All of these actions and appearances help portray the image that the society is very mannered and that religion has helped steer the citizens of the country in the right direction. Queen Victoria would have enjoyed the sense of morality depicted.
However, this contrasts with Mary Shelly’s romantic novel because it lacks a sense of dreaminess and mystique. Shelly’s novel revolves around the impossible scenario of creating a monster. Her main character treats this creature poorly and then the monster kills the creator’s family. This is much different from the picture because it shows a lack of nobility.
The Victorian Era was centered on manners and restraint. This was a large deviation from the Romantic Era.

Works Cited

"A Dream of the Past: Sir Isumbras at the Ford." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. 25 Dec. 2011. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. .

Harrison, Ainsworth. "The Victorian Web." The Victorian Web: An Overview. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. .
Team 4: Cody Dunn, Stephen Hwang, Tyler Wong, Carlton Lew