Introduction:
Slum novels, a sub-genre of literature, provide a penetrating glimpse into the harsh realities of urban poverty in Britain, particularly during the late Victorian period. These novels, set against the backdrop of the East End of London, are characterized by their depictions of squalor, overcrowding, and the struggles of the working class. This analysis will delve into the origins, characteristics, and notable contributors to slum fiction, exploring how these works reflect the socio-economic conditions of their time and their impact on contemporary and modern readers. David Trotter remarks that several writers aimed to emulate their prominent Victorian predecessors by blending a didactic purpose with strong sales figures. In the context of slum novels, these authors viewed their works as diagnostic tools, striving to analyse and critique the ‘condition of England’.
Origin and Emergence of Slum Novels:
Slum fiction emerged as a response to the pressing social issues associated with urban poverty and the working class. This literary movement was inspired by the social novels of Charles Dickens but diverged in its approach, focusing more on realism and naturalism rather than sentimentality. The genre began to take shape in the late Victorian period, addressing the “Condition of England” theme and found expression across various media, including newspapers, documentaries, photographs, and novels. As the 19th century progressed, these novels attracted a growing readership and became an independent sub-genre with distinct aesthetics, heavily influenced by naturalistic fiction and the murky aspects of urban life.
Phases of Development:
The development of slum novels can be divided into three main phases:
i) Early Phase (1880s): Pioneered by authors such as Walter Besant and George Gissing, this phase laid the groundwork for the sub-genre. Besant’s notable work, “All Sorts and Conditions of Men” (1882), and Gissing’s “Workers in the Dawn” (1880) were instrumental in establishing the themes and style of slum fiction.
ii) Development Phase (1890s): This period saw contributions from writers like Rudyard Kipling, Arthur Morrison, and Somerset Maugham. Kipling’s “The Record of Badalia Herodsfoot” (1890) and Morrison’s “Tales of Mean Streets” (1894) provided realistic descriptions of poor living conditions and street violence, further developing the sub-genre’s focus on the darker aspects of urban life.
iii) Later Phase (Early 1900s): Authors such as Jack London and Israel Zangwill made significant contributions during this phase. London’s non-fiction work “The People of the Abyss” (1903) offered a first-hand account of life in the East End, while Zangwill’s “Children of the Ghetto” (1892) chronicled the experiences of London’s Jewish community.
Characteristics:
Slum novels shared several common characteristics that defined the sub-genre:
i) Typical Settings: These novels were set in overcrowded urban slums with substandard housing and squalor, providing a stark depiction of the living conditions faced by the lower classes.
ii) Authorship: Most slum novels were written by outsiders rather than slum dwellers themselves, which often lent a particular perspective to the narratives.
iii) Combination of Fact and Fiction: Similar to the “Condition of England” debate from the Hungry Forties, these novels combined factual accounts with fictional elements to create compelling stories that highlighted social issues.
iv) Representation of the Working Class: The working class was often depicted as the “other nation,” emphasizing the social polarization and highlighting the flaws in late Victorian capitalism and democracy.
v) Influence of Charles Dickens: While influenced by Dickens, slum novels were devoid of his sentimentality and Gothic elements, focusing instead on a more realistic and naturalistic portrayal of urban poverty.
Notable Authors and Works:
Several authors made significant contributions to the slum novel sub-genre:
i) Walter Besant: Known for “All Sorts and Conditions of Men” (1882), Besant promoted cultural regeneration through initiatives like the People’s Palace in Mile End Road, providing East End dwellers with access to education and social improvement.
ii) George Gissing: His works, including “Workers in the Dawn” (1880) and “The Nether World” (1889), portrayed urban poverty with little sympathy for the poor, reflecting a pessimistic view of industrial society’s progress.
iii) Arthur Morrison: With a working-class background, Morrison’s “Tales of Mean Streets” (1894) and “A Child of the Jago” (1896) provided realistic descriptions of poor living conditions and street violence.
iv) Jack London: His non-fiction slum novel “The People of the Abyss” (1903) offered a detailed account of life in the East End, known for its deep poverty and associated social problems.
Conclusion:
Slum novels provided vivid depictions of slum life, highlighting the flaws in late Victorian capitalism and democracy. Although mostly forgotten today, these works serve as important social documents chronicling the deplorable conditions of the lower classes at the turn of the century. Recently republished by e-book publishers, slum novels offer valuable insights into working-class life and speech during the Victorian era. They remain a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate social issues and foster understanding and empathy across societal divides. Thus, the slum novels of Britain not only reflected the grim realities of urban poverty but also played a crucial role in raising awareness and sparking discussions about the need for social reform. Their legacy continues to provide a window into the past, offering timeless lessons on the impact of economic and social inequalities.