Fin de Siecle
English Lit: OCR A Level Dracula, topic 2.1.1
Victorian Society and the Fin de Siecle
During the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), the British Empire continued to grow, extending its influence all over the world.
The Great Exhibition
- In 1851, the Great Exhibition took place at the purpose-built Crystal Palace in Hyde Park and showcased the pinnacle of technologies developed during the Industrial Revolution.
Population growth in London
- The population of London grow exponentially during the Industrial Revolution (c. 1760-1840) and as a result, there was an increasing number of slum areas in the city.
London in Dracula
- In Dracula, London is the centre of the civilised world.
- The arrival of the Count can be seen as a threat to the natural order of things and society.
- In Chapter 1, Jonathan notes in his journal how Castle Dracula is in the "extreme east” of Romania - as far from the civility and familiarity of Victorian society.
‘Fin de siecle’
- ‘Fin de siecle’ literally means the end of the century, although as a concept has become synonymous with the end of the 19th century.
- A period of great uncertainty, feared by some to be a period of degeneration; viewed by others as a period of hope for a new beginning.
- This idea of duality is clearly reflected in Dracula where east meets west; superstition fuses with religion; and, both Gothic terror and horror are utilised within the novel.
Test yourself on Fin de Siecle
What caused an increase in slums in London in the Victorian era?
What can be seen as a threat to the natural order of things and society in Dracula?