In the late 19th century, a literary movement emerged in Britain known as the "literary movement". This movement was characterized by a rejection of Victorian sentimentality and a focus on realism and naturalism. Some of the most significant writers of this movement include Thomas Hardy, George Gissing, and George Moore.
One of the key features of the literary movement was an emphasis on scientific thinking and a rejection of the supernatural. This rejection of the supernatural is evident in many of the works of Thomas Hardy, who was one of the most prominent writers of the movement. Hardy's work often dealt with the harsh realities of life, and his characters were often subject to the whims of fate. In works such as "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" and "Jude the Obscure," Hardy explored themes such as love, loss, and social class, all through the lens of scientific, naturalistic thinking.
Another significant writer of the literary movement was George Gissing. Gissing's work often explored the realities of life for the working class during the late 19th century. His novel "New Grub Street" is a scathing critique of the publishing industry and the often brutal conditions faced by aspiring writers. Like Hardy, Gissing was a realist who focused on portraying life as it was, rather than as people wished it to be.
George Moore was another prominent writer of the literary movement. His work often explored issues of sexuality and social class, and he was a vocal advocate for the rights of women. In works such as "Esther Waters" and "A Drama in Muslin," Moore challenged Victorian attitudes towards sexuality and helped pave the way for the more frank explorations of sexuality that would come later.
Despite the fact that the literary movement was often critical of the Victorian era, it was in many ways a product of that era. The scientific and rational thinking that characterized the movement was a direct response to the supernaturalism and sentimentality of the Victorian era, and many of the writers associated with the movement were reacting against the saccharine, idealized portrayals of life that were so common during the Victorian era.
In conclusion, the literary movement was an important moment in the evolution of British literature. This movement paved the way for the more honest and realistic portrayals of life that would come in the decades that followed, and helped set the stage for the modernist movement that would emerge in the early 20th century. Through a focus on scientific thinking, naturalism, and a rejection of sentimentality, the writers of the literary movement helped usher in a new era of literature that continues to influence writers to this day.
