Class and Decorum in Victorian England

What were the main characteristics that defined the upper class in Victorian England?

• Wealth, social status, influence, large estates, exclusive education, high society participation, elaborate clothing, fine dining, propriety, and etiquette.

• Participation in rural farming activities

• Focus on manual labor

• Minimal wealth and influence

How did social decorum influence interactions between different classes during the Edwardian era?

• Social decorum encouraged collaboration between classes.

• Social decorum had no impact on class interactions.

• Social decorum reinforced class distinctions and limited interactions between different classes.

• Social decorum promoted equality among all classes.

In what ways did the Industrial Revolution impact class distinctions in Victorian society?

• The Industrial Revolution only affected the upper class, leaving the middle and working classes unchanged.

• The Industrial Revolution eliminated all class distinctions in Victorian society.

• The Industrial Revolution led to a decrease in the working class population in Victorian society.

• The Industrial Revolution created a distinct middle class and expanded the working class, altering traditional class distinctions in Victorian society.

Compare the values of the Victorian era with those of the Edwardian era regarding gender roles.

• The Victorian era promoted women's rights and independence, while the Edwardian era reverted to traditional roles.

• The Victorian era emphasized strict domestic roles for women, while the Edwardian era began to challenge these norms, allowing for greater independence and workforce participation.

• The Edwardian era was more conservative than the Victorian era, enforcing stricter domestic roles for women.

• Both the Victorian and Edwardian eras had similar views on gender roles, emphasizing equality for men and women.

What role did etiquette play in maintaining class distinctions in both Victorian and Edwardian England?

• Etiquette reinforced class distinctions by dictating social interactions and behaviors that emphasized hierarchy and deference.

• Class distinctions were primarily maintained through economic wealth alone.

• Etiquette had no impact on social interactions during this period.

• Etiquette was universally applied to all social classes without distinction.

Discuss the significance of social gatherings in reinforcing class hierarchies during the Victorian era.

• Social gatherings promoted equality among all classes.

• Victorian social gatherings were primarily focused on political discussions.

• Class hierarchies were irrelevant in Victorian social settings.

• Social gatherings reinforced class hierarchies by creating exclusive spaces for the elite, emphasizing social boundaries and cultural capital.

What were the expectations of behavior for women in upper-class Victorian society?

• Women were allowed to ignore social etiquette and dress freely.

• Women were encouraged to pursue careers and public life.

• Women were expected to be nurturing, modest, and devoted to family, focusing on domestic roles and adhering to strict social etiquette.

• Women were expected to be assertive and independent.

How did literature from the Victorian and Edwardian periods reflect societal norms and class differences?

• Literature focused solely on romantic relationships without addressing class issues.

• Edwardian literature celebrated the wealth of the upper class without critique.

• Literature reflected societal norms and class differences by portraying the struggles of the lower classes and the tensions between social classes, emphasizing themes of morality and social reform.

• Victorian literature ignored societal norms and only depicted fantasy worlds.