Victorian Era: Society, Culture, and Literary Movements

The **Victorian Era** (1836-1901) coincided with Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne and her death. It placed high value on honor, duty, morality, seriousness, and sexual propriety. Key defining traits of Victorian society included identity, morality, and consumerism. The era was marked by political stability and strict cultural norms. Her territories were the largest in Europe (e.g., Canada, New Zealand, South-East Asia, and parts of Africa). This political stability encouraged people to seek order and stability in their personal lives, leading to highly controlled social norms. Personal identity was largely shaped by race, gender, and social class.

Victorian society often categorized nationalities as distinct races, leading to a perceived hierarchy that many at the time considered accurate and fair.

Gender Roles in Victorian Society

Men and women occupied distinct spheres within Victorian society. Women were primarily confined to the domestic sphere, responsible for maintaining the home and raising children. They were generally not permitted to work outside the home or to vote. Men, conversely, dominated the public sphere. They held the right to vote and were considered the head of the household.

Victorian Social Stratification

Victorian society was rigidly stratified into distinct social classes:

• Upper classes
• Upper-middle classes (e.g., doctors, factory owners)
• Working class
• The poor class

One's social class was largely determined by who they socialized with, the clothes they wore, and where they lived.

Victorian Morality and Etiquette

Victorian morality dictated what was considered appropriate and inappropriate behavior, encompassing speech, manners, and clothing. Great emphasis was placed on maintaining high moral standards, particularly in public conduct, dress, and speech.

The Rise of Victorian Consumerism

Victorian consumerism allowed the upper classes to distinguish themselves from lower strata through their purchasing power. They displayed their wealth and status through the acquisition of exotic goods and elaborate homes.

Industrial Revolution's Impact

The Industrial Revolution spurred numerous new inventions and technological advancements. However, the working class often remained impoverished, leading to calls for parliamentary reform to improve their living and working conditions.

Victorian Literature and Art

Literature held significant importance, particularly among the aristocracy. The realist novel, in particular, gained immense popularity.

Realism in Victorian Fiction

Realism aimed to present an objective representation of real life, reflecting the daily habits, desires, and aspirations of the reader.

Aestheticism: Art for Art's Sake

Aestheticism emerged as a critique of the moral purpose often found in realistic fiction. It emphasized experimentation in form and composition, independence of imagination and expression, and freedom of content, encapsulated by the motto: 'Art for Art's Sake.' (Notably championed by Oscar Wilde, often with a humorous critical edge).