If we think that social 'cliques' are bad in the present time, we should take time to examine the social classes of the Victorian time period. We might think that what society thinks of us today is very important, but in the Victorian age it was even more important. The social standings were so significant that manners, money, birth, occupation, and leisure time determined one's place in society and their freedom to act, speak, learn, and earn. Now we can do whatever we want to do and we have the opportunity to do it. Sure, some times we care too much what others think, however we try to treat others equally no matter what social class they are in.
My younger sister would not agree with the way ladies had the control over the domestic life and men were in charge of the moneymaking side. My sister thinks that we, as women, should be less passive and selfless. We should be able to run the family and do what the men are supposed to do.
In the Victorian time, women were discouraged from playing sports or having an opinion. Girls depending on social standing were forced to do certain things. For example, girls in the lower classes had to work as maids and girls in the middle to upper classes were expected to attend boarding or charm school. Back then, being unproductive was a sign of rank and now it is considered a bad sign or a gold digger. Things sure have changed since the Industrial Revolution, not just the technology but the traditions and the actions of human beings.
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5 comments:
I like this idea. Its interesting to see a cultural aspect of the writings as well. Victorian literature sometimes just shows the dismal side of the society. This shows the differences that have come since the Industrial Revolution. While there are still class differences we must overcome, at least work ethic has become a more prized possession than not.
You mentioned that the actions of humans have changed alot since Victorian times. I can trace one common thread thoughout: motives. It's Human nature to desire acceptance from peers and power. Regardless of era, humans are still looking out for number one and ways to elevate themselves.
I would have to agree with what Meredith noticed from your post--while things have drastically changed since the Victorian period, people are in some ways very much the same. We live in a world where everyone is looking out for their best interest and as a result, oftentimes care not how they hurt other people.
I think this aspect of society is probably more obvious today, but when you break down the mindset of so many during the Victorian time, it seems that they were very much the same way. You pointed out that classes were divided on issues of "manners, money, birth, occupation, and leisure time." You further found that these things affected "their freedom to act, speak, learn, and earn." What's interesting is that many of these same principles are present today. We like to think that we live in an equality based society, but I tend to think many aspects of equality in our nation are idealistic. I think that the social status of the family that a child is born into has a huge affect on their future education, occupation, and leisure activities. If a child is born in poverty, it is far more common for them to remain in that environment for the rest of their lives than to overcome it. We certainly hear about rags to riches stories, but it's not all that common. I think some people today can relate pretty easily to the Victorian era of class.
Jennifer,
I am glad to see how much commentary this post has inspired.
I think you are correct that society, and specifically opportunities for women, have changed a lot since the Victorians. I wish you had provided more textual examples, though-you don't discuss specific authors or statements, and as a result this post seems too vague and general to be very informative.
Be sure to provide a clear textual foundation for your insights, and to support your claims with specific quotations.
What was really interesting to me is that probably the most powerful woman at this time, Victoria was so conservative. It would seem that since she was in the role of what most would see as belonging to a man that she would somehow be more liberal or at least have a wider view of the role of women.
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