_Forces at Work._--Amidst ever increasing complexity one may briefly note (_a_) The influence of British imperialism and commercialism, the development of dominion literature, and the Celtic Revival partly due to the frustration of Irish nationalism; (_b_) the rapid development of industry and the resulting increase in production and population; (_c_) the growth of trade unionism, the widening rift between classes and masses, and the resulting emphasis in literature on political and social abuses; (_d_) realisation of a national Education Act, its further development, and the subsequent growth of popular literature and of journalism; (_e_) the spread of the scientific spirit and its effects in heightening a critical and analytical attitude; (_f_) the influences from France, Russia, and Scandinavia with their trend towards crude or impressionistic realism and psychological analysis. _Literary Features._--The complexity of the age favoured many attitudes besides realism and analysis. In poetry one may range from romantic lyric or narrative to “satires of circumstance” or “stage-door flashlights,” while the feeling towards new models is shown not only in choice and treatment of subject but in the wide experimentation in new forms of verse. The drama in its first stage is limited to romantic comedy, but after Ibsen it becomes realistic and often satirical. The novel rises to be the chief instrument of public expression, and amidst the vast output, one may note the steady stream of romantic, realistic, and propaganda novels, while the short story achieves a triumph in itself. Miscellaneous prose writers are prolific; the growth of journalism tends to shorten the literary and critical essay, but the lengthy literary biography has still many adherents. A prominent class is the historical, philosophical and scientific treatise, and with the rise of popular education children’s literature achieves a special place. In poetry, style ranges from florid Swinburne and ornate Thompson to the delicate silver of Bridges, while in prose there are masters in every style. LATER VICTORIAN AND GEORGIAN AGE (_1870-1920_).