Joseph Conrad (1857-1924): Polish-British novelist, explored moral ambiguity, psychological darkness, and the effects of imperialism (early works like Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim).

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936): Nobel laureate, celebrated the British Empire, known for short stories (Plain Tales from the Hills), children's books (The Jungle Book), and novels (Kim).

Bram Stoker (1847-1912): Author of the iconic Gothic horror novel Dracula.

Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930): Creator of the enduring detective Sherlock Holmes.

Dramatists:

Oscar Wilde: His witty and satirical comedies of manners revitalized British theatre (Lady Windermere's Fan, A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband, The Importance of Being Earnest).
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950): Irish playwright, began his career with "plays of ideas" that challenged social conventions and hypocrisy (Mrs. Warren's Profession, Candida, Arms and the Man).

7. Modernism (c. 1901-1945)

7.1 Edwardian Period (1901-1910)

Historical Background: Reign of King Edward VII. A period of apparent stability and prosperity, but with underlying social and political tensions (rising class consciousness, women's suffrage movement, growing imperial competition). Literature often reflected a sense of societal change and unease, with traditional values being questioned.
Key Trends: Continuation of Victorian realism but with increasing psychological depth and social critique. Some early critiques of Victorian morality and hypocrisy. Focus on class dynamics, gender roles, and the changing nature of society.
Genre: Realistic novel, social commentary, drama of ideas, psychological realism.
Poets:
- Thomas Hardy (1840-1928): Continued to write melancholic and philosophical poetry, often reflecting on lost loves and the injustices of fate.
Novelists:
- H.G. Wells (1866-1946): Continued to write influential social novels (Kipps, The History of Mr. Polly) alongside his science fiction.
- Joseph Conrad (1857-1924): Explored themes of moral ambiguity, psychological darkness, and the impact of imperialism (Nostromo, The Secret Agent, Under Western Eyes).
- E.M. Forster (1879-1970): Explored social conventions, personal freedom, and cross-cultural understanding (A Room with a View, Howard's End, Where Angels Fear to Tread).
- Arnold Bennett (1867-1931): Realistic novelist, particularly known for his detailed portrayals of life in the "Five Towns" of the Potteries (The Old Wives' Tale).
- John Galsworthy (1867-1933): Chronicled the lives of an upper-middle-class family in The Forsyte Saga, satirizing their materialism and conservatism.
Dramatists:
- George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950): His plays continued to provoke social debate and challenge conventional thinking (Man and Superman, Major Barbara, Pygmalion).
- J.M. Barrie (1860-1937): Scottish novelist and playwright, best known for Peter Pan; or, The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.

7.2 Georgian Period & World War I (c. 1910-1920s)

Historical Background: Reign of George V. This period was profoundly marked by World War I (1914-1918), which shattered old certainties, led to widespread disillusionment, and fundamentally altered European society. The Irish independence movement gained momentum, leadin