Final answer:
Victorian novels gripped readers through Realism, gothic elements, and historical connections, with authors like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen portraying society with accuracy and depth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Victorian novels captivated readers with a variety of themes, notably through the element of Realism. This literary period saw writers like Charles Dickens candidly depict society with precise visual detail, as seen in works such as Oliver Twist. Victorian novelists were not shy about presenting the harsh truths of their time, from the squalor of urban life to the paradoxes of social norms.
Realism especially resonated with audiences by highlighting the lives of the poor and the middle-class, often setting scenes in prisons and impoverished neighborhoods. Writers like Dickens raised social consciousness and sometimes spurred social change through their portrayals. The gothic novel, another genre popular during this era, stirred readers' imaginations with supernatural and eerie events taking place in settings like decrepit castles and dark landscapes.
Moreover, the realism in novels also allowed for a stronger connection to history and national identity, featuring characters who displayed chivalry and bravery. Jane Austen's works, marked by a formal style reflective of her time, maintained popularity, indicating that accurate portrayals of the period's conventions and morals were well received.