A courtship generally began with simple conversations. From this point, the couple might take a walk together, with a chaperone in attendance. The next step of a courtship could include spending time together at social events. If everything progressed well between the lady and gentleman, they would become engaged.

How did Victorians view love and marriage?

Women in the Victorian society had one main role in life, which was to marry and take part in their husbands interests and business. Victorian men also expected women to possess feminine qualities as well as innocence; otherwise, they would not be of marriage potential.

What was Victorian romance like?

One of the most romantic aspects of a Victorian courtship was the written word. Not only did women keep a diary of the courtship, but both partners exchanged romantic letters. They also exchanged lockets, antique coins, portraits, poems, sketches and locks of hair.

How did Victorians greet each other?

A proper salutation begins with Sir or Madam and ends with “I have the honour to be your very obedient servant.” When meeting an acquaintance, it is never acceptable to simply nod and touch your hat. Politeness demands that a man should always lift his hat from his head.

How were marriages arranged in Victorian era?

They were, in essence, property of their parents until they married, at which time they became property of their husbands. The Victorian era introduced the idea of romantic love and marriage among the upper classes (Think of Queen Victoria; hers was a love match).

What is Victorian love?

Many Victorians believed strongly in romantic love, but they also took, on the whole, a more moral view than we do. A wifes proper role was to love, honour and obey her husband , sex was frowned upon greatly and it was believed that no woman should ever have had sex outside of marriage.

Can you kiss in 1800s?

In the Victorian era, abstaining from any physical show of affection when in public was regarded as the only way to be, really. Kissing in front of others was deemed vulgar and unacceptable, even for those with lower standing in the community.

Did Victorian men shake hands?

Thorntons frank and familiar greeting. Like much in Victorian society, the handshake was governed by strict rules of etiquette, especially when that handshake was shared by members of the opposite sex. In general, handshakes between men and women could only be initiated by the lady.

How did Victorian men propose?

A proposal was best made in person, with clear, distinct language, so the girl might not misunderstand the gentlemans intent. If he could not bring himself to propose in person, he could do so in writing. A girl did not have to accept her first proposal. She could play coy.

What was the ideal Victorian woman?

The ideal Victorian woman was pure, chaste, refined, and modest. This ideal was supported by etiquette and manners. The etiquette extended to the pretension of never acknowledging the use of undergarments (in fact, they were sometimes generically referred to as unmentionables).

What were typical Victorian values?

The values they held: personal responsibility, self-reliance, industriousness and individualism were, and are values worth adhering to. They fostered independence of spirit and action.

What did Victorian poets write about?

Focus on Masses Romantic Poetry mainly focused on rural and rustic life. It is no way related to city life. On the other hand, Victorian poets used language as well as themes common to city life and thus wrote about the masses and for the masses.