Life of the Upper Class Victorians: Parties, Feasts, and Boredom
In the Victorian era, life for the upper class was a blend of luxury, social norms, and often, profound boredom. They had grand homes, grand feasts, and grand parties, but the essence of their existence was lesser.
Parties, Feasts, and Hunting
The upper class Victorians did indeed enjoy lavish parties and grand feasts. These were social events often centered around hunting, shooting, and elaborate dinners. These activities might seem entertaining and fulfilling, but they were merely ways to make time pass. For the wealthy, much of their lives revolved around social events and seasonal schedules, making these gatherings just a part of their routine.
From classical television series like Upstairs Downstairs and Downton Abbey to Victorian social novels, the lives of the upper class provide an interesting glimpse into their daily routines. These shows and books capture the essence of their lives, from the opulence of their homes to the mundane tasks of hosting and socializing. The Victorian Web, a prolific resource, also helps to paint a clearer picture of their lives, complete with detailed articles and scholarly insight.
The Boredom of Victorian Life
Life for an upper-class Victorian, especially for a woman, was often tedious and restrictive. The primary role of a woman was to be an ornament, to be beautiful and to marry suitably, thereby transferring her wealth and property to her husband. A married woman could not even own her own clothes, and her primary role was to bear children, not to look after them. She spent much of her time hosting boring dinners with political allies and social friends, engaging in conversations she was supposed to be ignorant of. For a man, even if he had talents and intelligence, the only acceptable paths were to engage in politics or the military. He was not allowed to manage his own estates, let alone participate in business, which only served to frustrate his creativity and ambition.
A Escape from Boredom: Leisure and Creativity
The only real escape from this stifling life for some women was to fall ill, spending their time on a sofa reading privately or engaging in solitary activities. Notable figures like Florence Nightingale and Elizabeth Barrett Browning found solace in this way until life presented them with greater opportunities.
The Dark Side of Wealth
The lives of the upper class Victorians were not without their dark side. For many, life was marked by gambling and alcohol. The monotony of their existence led many to seek temporary relief in vice. The opulent lifestyles often masked underlying frustration and dissatisfaction.
In conclusion, the Victorian upper class had a life rich in material possessions and social events but often marked by a profound sense of boredom and frustration. Their lives were constrained by societal expectations and limited opportunities, leading many to seek solace and escape in various forms.