Urban Legends in English Literature: The Development from the Victorian Era to Modern Times

Abstract: This paper explores the evolution of urban legends in English literature from the Victorian era to the modern digital age. It defines the concept of urban legends and traces their presence and transformation in literary works. From folklore-inspired Victorian ghost stories to contemporary internet-born myths, urban legends have continually mirrored society's fears, beliefs, and technological advancements. The analysis includes early instances in Shakespearean drama, the Gothic horror boom of the 19th century, and the viral legends of today. References to literary scholars and folklore experts are included to support the discussion. Keywords: urban legends, English literature, Victorian era, literary works. Title: Urban Legends in English Literature: The Development from the Victorian Era to Modern Times Author: Inst. Yahya Jubarah International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025 - June 2025 Page No: 137-139 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 23-April-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15267178 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/urban-legends-in-english-literature-the-development-from-the-victorian-era-to-modern-times