A question for those who know their English literature?

Question

Can you explain why during Victorian era there was lack of religious poem compared to later periods?

Answer 1

The social climate during the Victorian era was focused more on romance and etiquette then on religious and spiritual matters. People had lost interest in matters of the soul, and found their entertainment in matters of the heart.

Answer 2

Things like industrialism and attention to social constructs in society were highly popular. I look to Oscar Wilde to see exactly how he makes fun of what society values. Social standing, including what people think of you, how you dress, how you act, etc... was important. To Wilde it was really quite petty.
But this wasn't all that was written about, there was certainly plenty of depth in Victorian Literature. You're coming out of the Romantic period and into the 20th century, definetly a bridge to freer expression. Many people wrote about social or economic injustices (however you want to label it) in the working class.
The literature was definetly more risque than it's predecessors, so this could contribute to why there were less religiously themed works. It didnt fit with the style of literature as people were experiencing greater freedom in a changing world. For part of the victorian era, much of the literature had been full of messages about improving one's self and morals. It turned more risque though, as I mentioned, and started to break free of that.
Most importantly, remember how important science was at the time and how much science has constantly challenged/trumped religion. Darwin was big during this time.
Some writers in the era include Wilde, Bronte, Austen, Browning, Dickens, and Tenneyson. You have to be careful about associating U.S. writers with the Victorian era, yes they were in it and influenced, but the name "Victorian" is after Queen Victoria. Her rule is mostly felt in England.

Answer 3

Truthfully, I believe it was due to the industrialization. With it came a new line of thinking. The church was no longer the center of influence it had once been. Industrialization broadened horizons in all class areas...which gave the Victorians a great urge to recapture the romance of bygone days. Subjects that were taboo in polite society gained acceptance with the poets and novelists of the era. Romance was fashionable...tales of "suffering for love" were sought. While moving forward was sought, hearkening back to the times of knightly love, chaste romance and courtly honor was considered the epitome of behaviors. By all means, there were religious overtones to many of the great poets...and there was religious works...its just that Victorians are more remember for the love affair of the Browning's, than anything else. Also, look to the philosophers of the era...they had great influence.

Answer 4

There wasn't a lack of religious poems. It's like saying that there aren't religious poems today. People were just more concerned with reading other forms of poetry.

Answer 5

As JohnRaist states above, there was religious
poetry & much of it by well known poets. In fact Gerard Manley Hopkins only wrote religious poetry. Robert & Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote religious poetry, as did Tennyson and Rossetti. That enough?

Answer 6

good question.