English Literature and the Industrial Revolution: A Mutual Influence

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, transformed many aspects of life. It changed the way people lived, worked, and even thought.

This major historical period, characterized by the growth of factories, urbanization, and technological advancements, significantly impacted English literature. Writers and poets of the time not only captured the changes they saw around them but also influenced how people understood the effects of industrialization on society.

In this post, we will explore how English literature and the Industrial Revolution influenced each other, shaping both the written word and the world that people lived in.

1. The Industrial Revolution: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the literature, let’s take a moment to understand the Industrial Revolution. This period, which started in Britain in the late 1700s, marked a shift from an agricultural economy to an industrial one. People began moving from rural areas to cities to work in factories. Steam engines powered machines, which helped produce goods at a faster rate. The rise of railways, new inventions, and a growing workforce transformed how people lived and worked.

However, not all changes were positive. Along with the growth of industry came many problems. Workers, including children, labored in harsh conditions for long hours. The cities became overcrowded, and pollution increased. These challenges were a major focus for writers at the time.

2. Literature Reflects Industrialization

English literature during the Industrial Revolution was shaped by the significant changes in society. Many authors wrote about the struggles and challenges that came with industrialization. These writers didn’t just observe the changes—they were often personally affected by them.

a. The Rise of the Novel

The Industrial Revolution brought about a new class of readers—people who could afford books but were also living in cities with a growing middle class. This created a larger market for novels, which began to explore everyday life in a rapidly changing world. Writers like Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Thomas Hardy became famous for their novels that focused on social issues.

For example, Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist (1837-1839) and Hard Times (1854) criticized the harsh working conditions and the treatment of the poor in industrialized Britain. These novels showed how factory workers, children, and the poor were affected by the rise of industrialization. Dickens used his writing to give a voice to those who were suffering from the rapid changes in society.

b. Romanticism’s Response to Industrialization

While some writers were critical of industrialization, others reacted to it in different ways. The Romantic movement, which began in the late 18th century, focused on emotion, nature, and individualism. Romantic poets, like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, were not always directly concerned with the industrial world. However, their work can be seen as a reaction to the rapid changes of the time.

For example, Wordsworth’s poetry often highlighted the beauty of nature and the importance of preserving it. In his poem Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey (1798), he described the peaceful countryside, which was rapidly disappearing as cities grew. The Romantics believed that the fast-paced industrial world was damaging to the soul, and they advocated for a return to nature and simpler ways of life.

c. The Gothic Novel

Another literary form that emerged during the Industrial Revolution was the Gothic novel. These novels often explored dark and mysterious themes, and they frequently focused on the tension between progress and the supernatural. Writers like Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein (1818), used Gothic elements to critique the rise of science and technology. In Frankenstein, the scientist Victor Frankenstein creates a monster, raising questions about the consequences of pushing technological advancements without considering their moral implications.

Gothic novels were not just about supernatural events—they also reflected the anxieties people had about the rapid technological changes happening around them. The fear of the unknown, of things going wrong, was often expressed through the eerie and unsettling tone of Gothic fiction.

3. Poetry and Industrialization

Poetry also played an important role in exploring the effects of industrialization. Poets like William Blake and John Clare used their work to express both their admiration for nature and their concern about the changes in society.

a. William Blake

William Blake, who lived through the early part of the Industrial Revolution, wrote about the struggles of the poor and the dangers of industrialization. His famous poem London (1794) describes a city filled with misery, where people suffer due to social and political corruption. Blake’s work was a critique of the industrialized world, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the rise of factories and urbanization. In Songs of Experience (1794), Blake wrote about the loss of innocence as people became trapped in a world of work, poverty, and exploitation.

b. John Clare

John Clare, a poet known for his deep connection to nature, also lived through the industrial changes of the 19th century. In his poems, he expressed a deep sadness over the loss of the countryside as more and more land was cleared for factories and houses. His poem The Fallen Elm (1837) expresses the poet’s sorrow over the destruction of nature caused by industrialization. Clare was one of the many writers who felt that the Industrial Revolution was threatening the natural world and the way of life that had existed for centuries.

4. Social Commentary Through Literature

One of the most powerful ways in which literature reflected the Industrial Revolution was by providing social commentary on the conditions of the time. Writers used their work to expose the struggles of the working class and the effects of industrialization on people’s lives.

a. Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’s novels are some of the best examples of literature that critique the social and economic impact of the Industrial Revolution. In David Copperfield (1849-1850), Dickens explores how social class and the industrial system affect individuals’ lives. In Hard Times, he critiques the industrial education system, showing how the emphasis on facts and figures stifles creativity and imagination.

Dickens was deeply concerned with the moral implications of industrialization, especially regarding the exploitation of children. His novel Oliver Twist centers on the story of an orphan boy who faces neglect and mistreatment in a workhouse. Through his work, Dickens raised awareness about the injustices faced by the poor and highlighted the need for reform.

b. Elizabeth Gaskell

Another important writer who explored the effects of industrialization was Elizabeth Gaskell. In her novel North and South (1854-1855), Gaskell examines the lives of factory workers and the differences between the industrial North of England and the wealthier, agricultural South. Through her characters, Gaskell showed how industrialization had led to harsh working conditions, but also how it had created social divisions.

Gaskell’s writing was notable for its sympathy toward both the factory owners and the workers, presenting a balanced view of the challenges faced by both sides. She used her novels to highlight the need for social change and reform.

5. Conclusion: A Mutual Influence

The Industrial Revolution and English literature influenced each other in many ways. As society rapidly changed, writers responded to the shifts in technology, work, and social class. They wrote about the hardships faced by workers, the loss of nature, and the moral implications of industrial progress. At the same time, literature helped to raise awareness about the problems caused by industrialization, encouraging readers to think critically about the world around them.

The Industrial Revolution brought new challenges, but it also inspired some of the most important works of English literature. Writers like Charles Dickens, William Blake, and Mary Shelley used their work to reflect on the changes of the time, making us think about the cost of progress. Today, their writings still serve as a reminder of the impact of industrialization and the power of literature to influence society.

English Literature and the Industrial Revolution: A Mutual Influence