Comparison of Words and Expressions used in a Victorian Novel and a Fantasy Novel

Abstract

Many words and expressions used either in Victorian novels or fantasy novels increase the vivacity of the story adding colour to the credibility of the plot. The use of such a variety of words and expressions such as the palpable softness in Victorian speech or the slight abruptness in contemporary speech and their uniqueness to each era were discussed. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J K Rowling were chosen for this study. The differences in the words and expressions used in Victorian and contemporary speech were discussed. The chosen research methods are textual and content analysis. Words and expressions felt to be unique to each era were collected as data and were analyzed as a comparison between Victorian novels and Fantasy novels. It was found that in the Victorian novels, there was mildness, propriety and respect in speech and was easy to understand. In contemporary fantasy novels there is rudeness, abruptness and uncontrolled anger. In conclusion, Victorian novels have been written with mildness and more self-control, while contemporary fantasy novels are rather rude, abrupt, clichéd and more colloquial. It is observed that the English language has evolved to a great extent in the space of two centuries.