Is Victorian Literature Hard to Comprehend for the Average Reader?

The question of whether Victorian literature is challenging for readers with average intelligence is often debated. To answer this, we must first define the level of comprehension we are referring to, the specific works, and what we mean by 'hard.'

Victorian literature encompasses a wide range of genres, including novels, poems, and essays. Each of these forms presents unique challenges and rewards. For example, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens is often seen as one of his more accessible works, making it a good starting point for readers new to Victorian literature. While the novel is lengthy and may require patience, its characters are generally straightforward, and the narrative is engaging.

Novel Specifics

When comparing David Copperfield to other Victorian novels like Great Expectations, it may be considered more accessible. However, Our Mutual Friend presents a greater challenge, though still within the realm of comprehension for willing readers.

Poetic works, such as In Memoriam by Alfred Tennyson, can be understood to some degree by most readers, despite their inherent subtleties. On the other hand, the poetry of Robert Browning requires a deeper sensitivity to point of view and cultural understanding to fully appreciate.

Walter Pater's essays in The Renaissance introduce a more academic tone and expect the reader to have a good foundation in classical knowledge. Essayists like Matthew Arnold also assume a level of literary and classical familiarity.

Complexity of Victorian Literature

The complexity of Victorian literature also varies when we consider more intricate works like Middlemarch and Daniel Deronda. These works by George Eliot, though challenging, offer a nuanced and comprehensive narrative that rewards a subtler mind. Fans of authors like Wilkie Collins or Anthony Trollope may find The Warden and Barchester Towers more accessible due to their more straightforward storytelling.

Childlike Novels with Adult Themes

Works like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll can be deceptively simple. Despite their playful exteriors, these novels contain profound themes and layers of meaning. They might be easier to understand on a basic level, but their depth can never be fully exhausted.

Language and Comprehension

The language of Victorian literature has not significantly changed from the 19th century to today, which means modern readers can generally understand the works without needing to adapt to a dramatically different language style. However, the challenge often lies in the narrative style rather than the language itself. Victorian novels are known for their leisurely pace, where characters frequently express themselves at length, and the narrator plays a vital role in the story. Novels may be lengthy, with some reaching up to 350,000 words, which can be overwhelming.

Enjoying Victorian Literature

While Victorian literature can be challenging, it can also be deeply enriching. Modern readers who approach these works with an open mind and a willingness to invest time will find much to appreciate. Writers like Dickens, Oscar Wilde, and others were writing for an average intelligence audience, making their works accessible to contemporary readers as well.

Relax and enjoy the journey of reading Victorian literature. As Henry James observed about Trollope, and this sentiment can be applied to many Victorian novelists, the complete appreciation of the usual is a reward in itself. Engage with the texts, and you will undoubtedly discover new insights and pleasures.