Victorian Era: Literature, Social Class, Morality & Values

Victorian Era

The Victorian era refers to Queen Victoria's reign from June 20, 1837 to January 22, 1901. It was marked by significant social change, political expansion, and industrial growth in the United Kingdom. This section explores some aspects of the Victorian era, including literature and art, social class hierarchy, morality, and values.

Literature and Art

During the Victorian era, British society experienced great changes, which influenced the arts. The period saw various genres of writing emerge and evolve. One notable figure is Charles Dickens, whose work spanned 1836 to 1870. His novels included "Pickwick Papers," "David Copperfield," and "Great Expectations." Other prominent writers during this time were the Bronte sisters, with Charlotte Bronte writing "Jane Eyre" and Emily Bronte writing "Wuthering Heights." These works often focused on individualism, morality, and societal norms.

In terms of visual art, the Victorian era produced works representing both traditional and modern styles. Portraiture remained popular throughout the period, while genre painting and landscapes also thrived. Innovations in photography helped document daily life and events, contributing to the development of photojournalism.

Social Class Hierarchy

Social class played a crucial role in Victorian society. People were typically classified into one of four main groups: aristocracy, middle classes, working class, and very small elite known as 'the gentry'. The upper class owned most of the land and wealth, while those lower down had little power and fewer opportunities. Strikes and protests occurred due to discontent with poor living conditions and wages. However, the sense of self-improvement through hard work and education created a strong middle class.

Education

Although only a minority received formal schooling, there was an increasing emphasis on literacy and numeracy among children. Private preparatory schools became more common for boys, preparing them for university education. For girls, home-based education continued to dominate until the mid-Victorian period when day schools began to emerge. Higher education for women was limited until later in the century.

Housing

The Victorian era saw urbanization and expansion of cities, leading to slums and overcrowded housing conditions for many people. However, this period also saw advancements in sanitation and public health measures. By the late Victorians, better-off families were moving out from central city areas into suburbs, which further reinforced social class divisions.

Morality and Values

In Victorian society, morality was heavily influenced by religion, particularly Protestant Christianity. This led to strong values emphasizing duty, self-discipline, sincerity, and work ethics. Personal modesty, decorum, and restraint were key aspects of morality, often reflected in literature through characters who embodied these virtues.

Despite this emphasis on virtue, there were significant issues related to sexuality, especially regarding women. Women's role was largely confined to domesticity and child-rearing, while men dominated the public sphere. Pre-marital sex and adultery were considered major sins. However, societal norms evolved somewhat during the era, leading to increased emphasis on courtship rituals and marriage proposals.

Conclusion

The Victorian era was marked by significant changes in society, culture, and values. From literature and art reflecting societal trends to evolving social class hierarchies and shifting morals, this period shaped British society profoundly. Despite its complexities, the legacy of the Victorian era continues to influence contemporary society in various ways.