EMINENT VICTORIANS Meaning and
Definition
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Eminent Victorians refers to a phrase that encapsulates a specific era in British history and a literary work of the same name by Lytton Strachey. In its broadest sense, the term "eminent Victorians" denotes prominent individuals who lived during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and significantly influenced the cultural, political, or intellectual landscape of Victorian England.
Strachey's seminal book, Eminent Victorians, published in 1918, takes a narrower focus and delves into the lives of four historically significant figures from this period. The work provides biographical sketches and critical assessments of Cardinal Henry Newman, General Charles Gordon, Thomas Arnold of Rugby, and Florence Nightingale. Each of these figures played a distinctive role within their respective fields, making significant contributions to religion, military prowess, education, and nursing.
Beyond being a subject of historical curiosity, the phrase "eminent Victorians" gained a connotation that reflects the shifts in societal values and questioning of Victorian ideals that took place during Strachey's time. His portrayal of these four individuals emphasized their flaws, contradictions, and the challenges they faced, casting doubt upon the widely held perception of Victorian Britain as a period associated solely with progress and moral rectitude.
Consequently, the term "eminent Victorians" encapsulates a dual meaning: a historical descriptor denoting influential figures from the Victorian era, as well as a critical examination of the prevailing values and conventions of the time.
Etymology of EMINENT VICTORIANS
The word "eminent" derives from the Latin word "eminens", which means "prominent" or "standing out". It comes from the verb "emineo", which means "to stand out" or "to project". The word "victorians" refers to the period of time associated with the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. In the context of the book titled "Eminent Victorians", written by Lytton Strachey, the word "eminent" refers to notable or prominent figures from the Victorian era.
