In what ways did the Industrial Revolution influence literature?

The Industrial Revolution had a profound and transformative impact on literature, particularly through the inspiration of movements like realism. During this period, authors began to focus on the everyday lives, struggles, and social issues faced by individuals within an increasingly industrialized society. Realism emerged as a literary movement that depicted characters and settings in a true-to-life manner, often highlighting the challenges brought about by urbanization, the factory system, and the economic changes of the time.

Writers such as Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Emile Zola used their works to explore themes of poverty, class disparity, and the human cost of industrial progress. By bringing attention to these societal issues, literature became a significant medium for social commentary and critique, effectively reflecting the realities of an era marked by rapid change. This connection between literature and the experiences of those living through the Industrial Revolution underscores the integral role that this period played in shaping narrative forms and subject matter in literary history.