Victorian Morality

Definition

Victorian morality refers to the moral standards and social norms that characterized the Victorian era in Britain, particularly emphasizing values such as respectability, sexual restraint, and the importance of family. This concept played a crucial role in shaping societal expectations and behaviors during a time of rapid change, influencing literature, social critique, and reform efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Victorian morality placed a strong emphasis on sexual purity and family values, leading to strict social codes regarding behavior, especially for women.
2. Many literary works from the Victorian period used social critique to challenge the rigid moral codes of the time, revealing the hypocrisy often associated with these values.
3. Charles Dickens's works frequently reflected Victorian morality by highlighting social injustices while advocating for compassion and reform.
4. The rise of sensationalism in Victorian literature often exposed the darker sides of society, such as crime and vice, contrasting sharply with the period's moral expectations.
5. Victorian morality had a lasting impact on societal norms, influencing discussions on topics like gender roles, sexuality, and social justice well into the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did Victorian morality influence the themes present in Victorian literature?
  • Victorian morality heavily influenced literature by promoting themes of respectability and virtue while simultaneously exposing societal hypocrisy. Writers often depicted characters who struggled with moral dilemmas or societal pressures, revealing both the strengths and weaknesses of moral codes. This exploration allowed authors to critique social norms while still adhering to some of their values, creating a complex relationship between literature and morality.
• In what ways did Victorian morality shape social reforms during the 19th century?
  • Victorian morality significantly shaped social reforms by promoting ideals such as charity, education, and public health initiatives. As moral standards dictated that society should care for its less fortunate members, many reformers were motivated by these values to address issues like poverty and child labor. Consequently, moral beliefs were instrumental in driving changes that sought to improve living conditions and promote social justice.
• Evaluate how Charles Dickens utilized Victorian morality in his major works to address social issues.
  • Charles Dickens effectively used Victorian morality in his novels to highlight social issues such as poverty, child labor, and inequality. By creating characters who embody or struggle against these moral standards, Dickens was able to engage readers with powerful narratives that challenged existing social norms. His focus on empathy and social responsibility emphasized the need for reform while maintaining a connection to the moral framework of his time, making his work both reflective and critical of Victorian values.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: A philosophical theory that advocates for actions that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number, often influencing social reforms during the Victorian era.

Sentimentalism: A literary movement that emphasizes emotion and moral sentiment, often reflecting Victorian values and appealing to readers' feelings.

The New Woman: A feminist ideal that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for women's independence and challenging traditional gender roles influenced by Victorian morality.