Some well - known Victorian detective novels include 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It is often considered one of the first detective novels in the English language. Another is the Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes, with his brilliant deductive reasoning, became an iconic detective figure. 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is also a great example. It has a complex plot full of mystery and intrigue.
Victorian literature was generally quite conservative and did not openly produce what we would consider 'erotic novels' in the modern sense. However, works like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde had some elements that were considered scandalous at the time. But it's important to note that this was not a pure 'erotic novel'.
Among the list of all Victorian novels, 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker is highly influential. It has had a huge impact on the horror genre. It introduced the iconic character of Dracula and many of the tropes associated with vampires. 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll is also influential. Its surreal and imaginative world has inspired countless works in literature, art, and film.
The use of complex characters was another feature. Characters were often multi - dimensional. In 'Wuthering Heights', Heathcliff is not simply a villain but a complex figure shaped by his experiences of love, rejection, and social inequality. Victorian novels in general had a rich tapestry of characters that added depth to the stories.
One of the most well - known Victorian novels with a strong sense of romance is 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Brontë. It tells the story of a young governess, Jane, and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester. Their love story is filled with passion, challenges, and a deep emotional connection. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which although written a bit earlier than the height of the Victorian era, still had a great influence. The relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a classic example of a slow - burning, yet intense romance, with misunderstandings and character growth along the way.
One that comes to mind is 'Varney the Vampire; or, the Feast of Blood' which, although mainly about vampires, has elements related to werewolves. It was part of the Victorian penny dreadfuls and was very popular at the time. It's considered rare because it was serialized and not always easy to find in its complete form now. Also, there are some lesser - known works that were part of the Gothic literature of the Victorian era which may have had werewolf elements but have been somewhat forgotten over time. These works often delved into the dark and mysterious, with the werewolf representing the primal and feared aspects of human nature that Victorians were both fascinated and horrified by.
One is 'The Leavenworth Case' by Anna Katharine Green. It was an important early American contribution to the detective genre during the Victorian period. 'Inspector Bucket' from Charles Dickens' 'Bleak House' can also be considered a detective figure in a Victorian novel. He is a key character in the complex web of mystery in the story.
One of the most prominent Victorian novels with strong romantic themes is 'Jane Eyre'. The relationship between Jane and Mr. Rochester is full of passion, mystery, and a deep emotional connection. Their love overcomes many obstacles, including social differences and Rochester's past secrets.
Victorian romance novels typically have strong female protagonists, even within the constraints of the time. In 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', the female lead shows great courage. These novels also often deal with themes of class differences. In 'North and South', the difference in social classes between the main characters is a major plot point. And the emotions are usually intense, whether it's love, jealousy or longing, as seen throughout many of these classic Victorian romances.
One characteristic is the exploration of social issues. For example, in 'Hard Times' by Dickens, he shows the problems of industrialization and the dehumanizing effects on people.