Thomas Hardy VI.The Victorian Poets The poetry in the period like the novels also reflects the spiritual search which was characteristic of the age.The majo 5 poets of the time were Alfred Tennyson,Robert Browning Elizabeth Browning,etc. I.The characteristics of the Victorian novels The plot is unfolded against a social background which is broader than what it had been in previous novels.The plot 10 draws materials from society and relates them in such a way that the Victorian novelists reflect the complexity of human relations in a capitalist society and reveal the writers'attitudes towards the society. The cause-effect sequence:linear causation The influence Puritanism:emphasis on duty and responsibility. earnestness,hard-working;Puritan standard of sexual behaviour:women were kept ignorant The novels were characterized by their moral purpose:edifying to bring about reform because Victorians writers lived in age where the gap between the rich and the poor was gigantic and social evils were conspicuous. VIII.Population in the Victorian era Thomas Hardy VI. The Victorian Poets The poetry in the period like the novels also reflects the spiritual search which was characteristic of the age. The major poets of the time were Alfred Tennyson, Robert Browning, Elizabeth Browning, etc. I. The characteristics of the Victorian novels The plot is unfolded against a social background which is broader than what it had been in previous novels. The plot draws materials from society and relates them in such a way that the Victorian novelists reflect the complexity of human relations in a capitalist society and reveal the writers’ attitudes towards the society. The cause-effect sequence: linear causation The influence Puritanism: emphasis on duty and responsibility, earnestness, hard-working; Puritan standard of sexual behaviour: women were kept ignorant The novels were characterized by their moral purpose: edifying to bring about reform because Victorians writers lived in age where the gap between the rich and the poor was gigantic and social evils were conspicuous. VIII. Population in the Victorian era 5’ 10’