A time of social, political, and literary tumult, the late Victorian era witnessed the publication of novels that would come to be iconic. Discussions will highlight issues such as changing ideas of class, gender, and identity; the role of imperialism in Victorian culture; and the origins of detective fiction. We will also think through the relation between literary form and historical change, analysing how specific styles and genres emerged to treat specific political questions, such as empire, and scientific discoveries, such as evolution. This course is envisioned as a complement to (though independent of) ENG324H1 Early Victorian Novels.