BYU ScholarsArchive

Article Title

The Spectrum of Faith in Victorian Literature

Authors

Bruce B. Clark

Keywords

English literature, 19th century, History, criticism, Religion in literature

Abstract

Typical of the schismatic nature of its time, Victorian literature holds all four fundamental religious positions mankind can take: liberalism, fundamentalism, humanism, and existentialism. Robert Browning's work serves as an example of optimistic and affirmative liberalism. Christina Rossetti represents the pessimism toward life and the ultimately hope for the next life of fundamentalism. Mathew Arnold's work illustrates the opposite, humanist point of view, which displays optimism for the present but has no belief in an afterlife. Finally, James Thompson displays the negativity of existentialist thought, seeing little hope in the present and future.

Recommended Citation

Clark, Bruce B. (1962) "The Spectrum of Faith in Victorian Literature," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 4: Iss. 3, Article 2.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol4/iss3/2