In the context of 19th-century British literature, what does the term "Victorian" most commonly refer to?

The term "Victorian" most commonly refers to the cultural norms during Queen Victoria's reign, which lasted from 1837 to 1901. This period was marked by significant social, political, and economic changes in Britain, including the rise of the middle class, shifts in family structure, and expanded educational opportunities. Literature from this era often reflects the values, morals, and societal expectations of the time, including notions of propriety, morality, and class distinction. Victorian literature encompasses a wide range of genres and often grapples with issues such as industrialization, colonialism, and social reform, which were prevalent during Queen Victoria's reign.

While the other options touch upon aspects related to the literature of the Victorian era, they don’t encapsulate the core essence of what “Victorian” signifies. For example, realism is indeed a characteristic of much Victorian literature, but it does not define the term itself. Similarly, the philosophical ideas linked to scientific progress and the exploration of national identity are important themes in certain works from the period but do not fully capture the broad cultural implications of "Victorian." Therefore, associating the term primarily with the cultural norms of the time provides a more comprehensive understanding of its significance within 19th-century British literature