Industrial Revolution And Turner's Dystopian Responses

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A rapidly changing technological, social and economic landscape in early industrialised England had positive and negative connotations for its population. A time of innovation and industrialisation saw significant reforms in transportation and communication; however, it produced differing views in those witnessing the changes taking place. Contemporaries, John Constable and Joseph Mallard William Turner interpreted, through their artwork, their differing perspectives of events happening. Constable's response was dystopian; his paintings, deemed by some critics sentimental, depicted idyllic views of rural life, divorced and unspoilt by industrialisation. Turner's utopian response showcased his interest and enthusiasm in new technologies that enabled him to travel widely. This essay will examine and …show more content…

The Industrial Revolution in England marked rapid social and economic changes. Cottage Industries, originally infusing the economy and producing an income for the rural communities became all but obsolete with the introduction of purpose powered machinery using primarily water and steam. Once a primarily agrarian society, England saw an explosive population growth in its manufacturing towns and cities. An increased production of and demand for manufactured goods saw standards of living rise. A burgeoning middle and existing wealthy class reaped the benefits. However, it also saw challenges for other sectors of the community. The poor, working classes, women and children encountered many challenges. Appalling work conditions: long hours, dangerous environments, poor pay and an overabundance of workers. This meant little job security and an abuse of cheap child labour. Overcrowded cities from the continuing influx of rural people contributed to overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions and diseases with little infrastructure to support

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