While the term "Victorian" typically refers to the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), it's also used to describe the literary, cultural, and social changes of the period.
Dickens's works are considered Victorian literature, characterized by:
* Social realism: Focusing on the social issues and injustices of the time, often depicting the lives of the working class and the struggles of poverty.
* Moralistic themes: Exploring themes of morality, social responsibility, and the consequences of individual choices.
* Satire: Using humor and exaggeration to critique society and its institutions.
* Sentimentality: Evoking emotional responses from readers, often through themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Some other key characteristics of Victorian literature, also present in Dickens's works, include:
* Gothic elements: Incorporating suspense, mystery, and supernatural themes.
* Emphasis on realism: Portraying characters and settings with accuracy and detail.
* Use of language: Rich, descriptive language and complex sentence structures.
Therefore, while Dickens's works can be seen as influenced by earlier literary movements, he is most closely associated with Victorian literature.