Changed Morals in the Victorian Era

Changed Morals in the Victorian Era

  • Submitted By: melacs
  • Date Submitted: 12/08/2008 10:30 AM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 1681
  • Page: 7
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Slowly Changing Morals and Values in the late Victorian Era
(Reflecting on the readings in class)

The Victorian era is generally agreed to stretch through the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). It was a tremendously exciting period when many artistic styles, literary schools, as well as, social, political and religious movements flourished. Even though today we associate this era with prudishness, we also have to admit, that we (mainly Great Britain) still live in the aftermath of it. It is, also the beginning of Modern Times. The changes that the society underwent were reflected in the changed morals and values, which often contradicted with the ones that already existed. The society of the 19th century Great Britain was ruled by men, the morals and values were still based on religion, family, and wealth. Those soon were to be changed.
The 19th century has seen the Industrial Revolution and also the doubling of population (to 18 million), which concentrated around the large cities where jobs were to be found. The technological developments of the age brought the people to places where factories were built. Travelling was quickened by the railways, the communication by the invention of telegram. These were all things that the society had to adjust itself. And since a society is the group of humans distinguished from other groups by mutual interest, shared institution and a common culture and if it changes, everything within society is affected. The layers of the society altered as well, new layers emerged (middle class) and flourished, the aristocrats with the long time history were not the only wealthy ones anymore. Industrialism brought wealth and respect to craftsmen, who rose on the social ladder instantly.
The 19th century was long enough to cover up two periods in literature. First, the Romantic Age in poetry, which was affected indirectly by the French Revolution, but also disillusioned by the Industrial Revolution, which had...

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