The Victorian era was a period of wide extremes, characterized by industrial reforms, cultural transformations, scientific progress, elegant living, and extreme poverty and wars. The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria reigned, although many historians believe that the reform act of 1832 signifies the beginning of the Victorian era.
Women’s lives in Victorian times generally focused on family commitments. Women were seen as temples of love and purity, so they could not be used for physical exertion or pleasurable sex. The only role for women in Victorian times was to marry and take care of housework. Young women were carefully prepared for marriage and had to be innocent, virtuous, docile, and obedient. The young women were educated mainly in achievements such as French, drawing, painting, singing, dancing – everything that helped them to get a perfect suitor!
Few women stayed in bed after sunrise. They ran the house, prepared meals for their husbands and children, made clothes for everyone, and grew everything the family ate. Women were also supposed to take care of someone who was sick. In addition, mental illness and alcoholism also added to the burden on women. Women were also in charge of sewing, weaving and painting clothes. The ladies made sure that the home was a place of comfort and comfort for the husband and children, free from all the hassles or burdens of outside work. They were supposed to be the ray of sunshine in the house making others happy.
The woman of the “upper class or elite” enjoyed all the comforts and favors that could be imagined. Dancing was a favorite pastime among most upper-class women and men. Single women generally spend a lot of time chatting with their friends. Upper-class women did little or no household chores. The ladies did not do things themselves, but they told others what to do. They were supposed to marry and raise children!
Lower class women worked in factories, garment industries, laundries, or various other jobs to support themselves. Another job for “lower” working-class women was domestic service. It was hard work as domestic servants were supposed to work seven days a week and twelve hours a day. A large percentage of women also worked as nurses in hospitals and were employed in offices during the latter part of the century. Some women also entered professions such as medicine, law, and journalism. However, this revolution took place mainly in the latter part of the 20th century.
Well, above is the description of the life of a Victorian woman. Unlike women today, they were not given the freedom to choose their life, they had no choice but to accept whatever lay ahead of them!