Victorian Morality

Definition

Victorian morality refers to the set of values, beliefs, and social norms that emerged during the Victorian era in Britain, characterized by a strong emphasis on propriety, sexual restraint, and a strict code of conduct. This moral framework influenced various aspects of society, including literature, where themes of morality, gender roles, and societal expectations were prominently explored. It shaped not only personal behavior but also public discourse on issues like sexuality and class, creating a backdrop against which many literary works were set.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian morality emphasized a strict code of sexual conduct, often condemning any form of sexual expression outside of marriage.
2. The notion of respectability was central to Victorian morality, dictating how individuals behaved in public and private spheres.
3. Victorian literature frequently criticized the hypocrisy of societal norms, revealing the tensions between individual desires and moral expectations.
4. Women were often placed under stricter scrutiny regarding morality, with their behavior seen as a reflection of family honor and societal values.
5. Many writers used their work to challenge or reinforce Victorian moral standards, contributing to debates about class, gender, and sexuality.

Review Questions

• How did Victorian morality shape the themes and characters found in Victorian poetry?
  • Victorian morality had a significant impact on poetry from this era by encouraging poets to explore themes of propriety, duty, and societal expectations. Poets often depicted characters who grappled with internal conflicts arising from rigid moral codes. For instance, works might illustrate the tension between personal desires and societal norms, showcasing the consequences of failing to adhere to these values.
• Discuss the role of Victorian morality in the portrayal of the supernatural and uncanny in literature during this period.
  • Victorian morality influenced the portrayal of supernatural and uncanny elements in literature by framing them as manifestations of societal fears and repressed desires. Writers often used supernatural occurrences to challenge or reflect moral dilemmas faced by characters. For example, the uncanny could symbolize the disruption of moral order or serve as a commentary on hidden vices within respectable society.
• Evaluate how Victorian women writers responded to the constraints imposed by Victorian morality through their literary works.
  • Victorian women writers often responded to the constraints of Victorian morality by using their literary platforms to critique social norms and advocate for women's rights. Authors like George Eliot and the Brontë sisters explored themes of female independence and challenged traditional gender roles. Their works revealed the limitations imposed by society and offered nuanced portrayals of women's experiences, pushing against the boundaries of accepted morality to foster discussion about gender equality.

Related terms

Social Reform: The movement aimed at improving societal conditions through legislative changes and promoting better moral standards.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles that dictate how individuals should behave based on their sex, heavily influencing Victorian literature and culture.

Moral Didacticism: A literary approach that aims to teach the reader about morality, often present in Victorian novels that addressed social issues.