In addition, she read philosophy and other non-fiction works of the time. No doubt she was aware of the changes taking place in culture, economy, industry, science and other aspects of life. The industrial revolution, which began in the 18th century and continued until the 19th, brought changes to all walks of life. The upper classes felt the gates at the entrance to their private enclaves shudder under the power of a rising middle class. The poor saw new opportunities that could lift them out of poverty. All these questions have also had an impact on the literature. The novel became a major source of entertainment and big business for publishers and magazines. “In Victoria's time, the voice of authority was accepted in religion, in politics, in literature and in family life. ' 7 There was little reading outside the Bible, and education was limited, mathematics, classics, but not much science or great literature of the more recent past. 8 This education was intended for boys. Girls were even less educated. They were “supposed to enjoy these evenings [dances and parties] and follow the activities of well-bred young women: drawing and embroidery, small charitable works, decorating bonnets and cultivating the garden”. ' 9 There were few vocations for young women, so a chance marriage to someone who had property and money was considered advantageous. Men from poor families in