The genre referred to as "sensation" is a specific form of literary fiction known as the sensation novel, or alternatively, sensation fiction.
Understanding the Sensation Genre
Sensation fiction emerged as a distinctive and popular literary movement during the Victorian era. It captivated readers with its focus on dramatic plots, often revolving around shocking revelations and intense psychological suspense.
Key Characteristics of Sensation Fiction
The genre distinguished itself through several defining traits:
- Taboo Material: A central element of sensation novels was their willingness to explore subject matter considered highly controversial or forbidden for the period. This could include bigamy, illegitimacy, madness, secret crimes, or women escaping societal norms.
- Shock Value: The primary aim was to shock and thrill the audience, using plot twists and unexpected disclosures to maintain high levels of suspense and engagement.
- Social Commentary: Beyond mere entertainment, these novels often served as a vehicle for "musing on contemporary social anxieties." They reflected and critiqued the societal concerns, moral dilemmas, and changing roles within Victorian society, albeit often through a sensationalized lens.
- Setting: Plots frequently unfolded in domestic settings, juxtaposing ordinary, respectable homes with extraordinary, often illicit, secrets.
Historical Context and Popularity
The sensation novel achieved its peak popularity in Great Britain between the early 1860s and the mid to late 1890s. This period saw an explosion of such works, which were widely consumed by a diverse readership, including a significant female audience. The genre's success highlighted the public's appetite for exciting narratives that dared to push the boundaries of conventional morality and social discourse.
Summary of Sensation Fiction
To further clarify, here's a table summarizing the core aspects of this genre:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Genre Type | A specific form of literary fiction, known as the sensation novel or sensation fiction. |
| Time Period | Rose to prominence in Great Britain, reaching its peak popularity from the early 1860s through the mid-to-late 1890s. |
| Core Content | Centered on themes involving taboo material, designed to be shocking to its readers. |
| Primary Purpose | To serve as a means of exploring and reflecting upon contemporary social anxieties of the era. |
This unique blend of thrilling plotlines and engagement with social issues made sensation fiction a significant and influential genre in Victorian literature.
