Victorian Morality

Definition

Victorian morality refers to the moral standards and values that dominated British society during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), emphasizing strict codes of conduct, propriety, and sexual restraint. It was characterized by a belief in progress, self-discipline, and the importance of family values, which influenced various aspects of culture, including literature, art, and theatre, especially as social issues began to emerge in the context of plays.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian morality emphasized the importance of family structure, leading to a perception that any deviation from traditional gender roles or family values was socially unacceptable.
2. The rise of social problem plays during this period sought to challenge the rigid moral framework by highlighting issues such as poverty, inequality, and women's rights.
3. Writers like George Bernard Shaw used their works to critique Victorian morality, advocating for social reform and questioning established norms.
4. Victorian morality often resulted in censorship and repression in the arts, creating a tension between artistic expression and societal expectations.
5. The strict moral codes of the Victorian era laid the groundwork for future movements in theatre that sought to address realism and human experience more candidly.

Review Questions

• How did Victorian morality shape the themes present in social problem plays of the time?
  • Victorian morality shaped social problem plays by establishing a backdrop against which issues like poverty, gender inequality, and class struggles were highlighted. The strict moral codes created a tension that playwrights like George Bernard Shaw used to confront societal norms. By addressing these themes, these plays not only reflected Victorian values but also critiqued them, pushing audiences to reconsider their views on morality and social justice.
• In what ways did playwrights like George Bernard Shaw challenge Victorian morality through their works?
  • Playwrights like George Bernard Shaw challenged Victorian morality by exposing its contradictions and advocating for progressive change. In his plays, Shaw used wit and satire to critique the rigid social codes that governed behavior, particularly around issues such as marriage, class distinctions, and women's rights. By portraying characters who defied societal expectations, Shaw prompted audiences to question the validity of Victorian moral standards.
• Evaluate the impact of Victorian morality on the evolution of theatre in the late 19th century and its legacy in contemporary drama.
  • Victorian morality significantly influenced the evolution of theatre in the late 19th century by enforcing strict moral boundaries that many playwrights sought to challenge. This resulted in a surge of social problem plays that tackled contemporary issues head-on, paving the way for realism in theatre. The legacy of this moral framework can still be seen today, as modern playwrights continue to confront societal norms while exploring themes related to identity, justice, and personal freedom.

Related terms

Social Problem Play: A genre of drama that addresses social issues and critiques societal norms, often aimed at provoking thought and inspiring change.

Morality Play: A genre of medieval and early Renaissance theatre that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons and explore themes of virtue and vice.

Theatre of the Absurd: A post-World War II theatrical movement characterized by illogical situations, nonsensical dialogue, and existential themes, often challenging traditional morality.