Victorian Morality

Definition

Victorian morality refers to the moral standards and social norms that emerged during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) in Britain, emphasizing strict codes of conduct, propriety, and family values. This framework prioritized sexual restraint, modesty, and the importance of social class, often imposing rigid expectations on personal behavior and gender roles. It significantly influenced literature and theatre during this period, shaping characters and themes that reflect societal values and conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian morality was characterized by a strong emphasis on sexual propriety and strict adherence to social norms, often leading to hypocrisy in public versus private life.
2. The ideals of Victorian morality significantly shaped the portrayal of women in literature and theatre, often presenting them as either virtuous angels or fallen women.
3. During this time, public discourse around morality was heavily influenced by religious beliefs, with many Victorians believing that moral behavior was crucial for societal progress.
4. The pressure to conform to Victorian morals often stifled individual expression and led to tensions in personal relationships, which is prominently depicted in the works of playwrights like Henrik Ibsen.
5. Victorian morality's rigid standards began to wane in the late 19th century as societal changes such as industrialization and emerging feminist movements challenged traditional views.

Review Questions

• How did Victorian morality influence character development in plays from this era?
  • Victorian morality deeply influenced character development in plays by establishing clear distinctions between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Characters were often portrayed as embodying moral virtues or as cautionary tales of those who strayed from societal expectations. This framework allowed playwrights to explore themes of guilt, shame, and redemption, using characters' struggles with these moral codes to critique or uphold the prevailing values of their society.
• Discuss the relationship between Victorian morality and the portrayal of women in 'A Doll's House' and 'Hedda Gabler'.
  • In both 'A Doll's House' and 'Hedda Gabler', Victorian morality plays a critical role in shaping the portrayal of female characters. Nora and Hedda are trapped by societal expectations that dictate their roles as wives and mothers, reflecting the limited autonomy afforded to women during this period. Their actions and ultimate choices challenge the rigid moral standards of their time, highlighting the tension between individual desire and societal obligation that was prevalent in Victorian society.
• Analyze how the themes of Victorian morality in 'A Doll's House' and 'Hedda Gabler' contribute to a broader understanding of societal change during the late 19th century.
  • The themes of Victorian morality in 'A Doll's House' and 'Hedda Gabler' illuminate the conflict between traditional values and emerging progressive ideas about gender roles and personal freedom. As both plays portray characters grappling with their identities against a backdrop of rigid moral codes, they reflect broader societal changes occurring during the late 19th century. These works critique the limitations imposed by Victorian standards, suggesting a shift towards modernity where individuals seek authenticity over conformity, thus foreshadowing significant transformations in societal norms that would unfold in the 20th century.

Related terms

Social Darwinism:

A theory that applied Charles Darwin's ideas of natural selection to social policies, often used to justify inequality and the moral superiority of certain social classes during the Victorian era.

The Woman Question: A Victorian debate surrounding women's roles in society, focusing on issues such as suffrage, education, and domesticity, questioning the traditional expectations imposed on women.

Moral Reform Movements: Various movements that arose in response to perceived moral decay, advocating for reforms in areas like prostitution, temperance, and child labor during the Victorian era.