Dr. Taormina suggests that Victorian novelists were largely products of their time, often reflecting and reinforcing the prevailing middle-class morality and social values of the 19th century. Rather than seeking to subvert these structures, many canonical Victorian works operated within the framework of these societal norms, exploring issues of duty, social mobility, and domesticity from a perspective that aligned with the aspirations of the rising middle class.

The Victorian Age corresponds to the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. Consequently, it is almost entirely contained within the 19th century. This period saw significant expansion of the British Empire, industrialization, and major shifts in literary themes, including the rise of the novel as the dominant form.

This phrase emphasizes the importance of timely justice, suggesting that delayed justice is essentially denied justice. It highlights the need for swift and fair legal proceedings. While often attributed to William Ewart Gladstone, the sentiment has historical roots in legal philosophy.

Gothic literature frequently interrogates societal anxieties regarding shifting gender roles and domestic boundaries. The 'New Woman,' who challenged Victorian patriarchal norms by entering the public sphere, represents a disruption of the status quo. This subversion of traditional domesticity creates the tension and unease characteristic of the Gothic genre, as it threatens the established order and highlights the fragility of Victorian social structures.

Becky Sharp is the iconic, ambitious, and socially climbing protagonist of William Makepeace Thackeray's 1848 novel, 'Vanity Fair.' The novel is a satirical look at British society during the Napoleonic Wars, and Becky's journey from poverty to the upper echelons of society serves as the primary narrative arc that critiques the moral hypocrisy of the Victorian era.

The term 'surplus women' was a common Victorian phrase referring to the demographic reality that there were more women than men in the population, largely due to male emigration and mortality. This led to a perceived crisis regarding the marriage market, as many middle-class women were unable to find husbands. The discourse surrounding these women often focused on their economic dependence and the lack of professional opportunities available to them outside of marriage.

Thomas Carlyle, a prominent Scottish essayist, historian, and social critic, published 'On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and The Heroic in History' in 1841. This influential series of lectures explores the concept of the 'hero' as a transformative figure in history, arguing that the history of the world is essentially the biography of great men who shaped human civilization through their unique vision and leadership.

Disraeli's 'Sybil, or The Two Nations' highlights the extreme social divide in Victorian England. The 'two nations' refer to the wealthy upper class and the impoverished working class, who lived in such different conditions that they were effectively separate societies within the same country.

'Higher Criticism' refers to the scholarly approach that analyzes the Bible by examining its historical origins, authorship, and composition. Unlike 'Lower Criticism' (which focuses on textual accuracy and transmission), Higher Criticism treats the Bible as a historical document subject to the same analytical standards as any other ancient text, often challenging traditional religious interpretations of divine authorship.

In the context of late-Victorian literature, the typewriter represents modernity and the expansion of professional opportunities for women. By using the typewriter, female characters like Mina Harker gain access to the public sphere and contribute to the rational, scientific effort to combat the supernatural threat of Dracula, bridging the gap between domesticity and the modern world.