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George Robert Gissing was an eminent English novelist, who left an indelible mark on the literary world during the late Victorian era with his profound novels that often explored the various struggles of the lower middle class and the societal pressures of his time. Born on November 22, 1857, in Wakefield, Yorkshire, Gissing underwent a period of great turbulence and personal strife, experiences that would later illuminate his writings. His academic brilliance led him to win a scholarship to Owens College, but his potential was marred by personal hardship, leading to his incarceration and subsequent relocation to the United States. Gissing's return to England marked the beginning of his writing career, which was characterized by a prolific output of socially conscious literature. 'The Unclassed' (1884) stands as a testament to his literary style, which deftly portrayed the bleak realities and inner turmoil of its central characters, resonating with the themes of societal antagonism and personal endeavor. Gissing's nuanced understanding of the socio-economic challenges of the time found expression in this work, laying bare the systemic rigid class divisions. His portrayal of complex characters, often flawed and striving against the societal constraints, positioned Gissing as a discerning chronicler of Victorian society. Despite his critical success, Gissing's life was marred by financial instability and unfortunate marriages, which further influenced his literary ethos. His oeuvre, comprising notable works such as 'New Grub Street' and 'The Odd Women', continues to be celebrated for its realism and insightful humanism. Gissing passed away on December 28, 1903, but his contributions endure, his legacy immortalized through his scrutiny of the human condition and his vivid depictions of Victorian life. |