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23.02.10 // Andrew W. Yoon // English 10 | D  V I C T O R I A N E T I Q U E T T E  //__Summary__//

The Victorian era, was the time of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901, the longest reigning monarch in British recorded history. It was a time of success for the British people, a period where the British Empire reach its zenith. Along with advancements in many fields including technology, trade, diplomacy and so forth during the period, the common image of an English gentleman developed from this time. During the Victorian era a respectable gentleman and lady were required to learn proper etiquette in order to fit into the society. The rules including; dining manners, how to sit, how to walk, how to greet, the way one lives as the matter of fact. Etiquette is a set of customary rules of courteous behaviour. The set of rules developed during the Victorian era is still considered well-mannered and useful to this day. Women of the Victorian society were trained since they were young to prepare for a life devoted to her family. Girls, before their marriage, were taught with the significance of marrying the right man, but were advised not to show they appeal so easily. They were also encouraged to behave in a meek and modest way. In Victorian society, invitations were expected to be distributed at the least a week prior to the event, RSVPed as soon as possible. Lending an already borrowed book is considered inconsiderate even in today’s society, same for the Victorian era. Objects lent to one were expected to be returned undamaged and soon as possible and in return, with a thank you note. At the table, men were expected to rise when a lady or an elderly comes to sit or stand for any reason. Men tipped their hats when greeting a lady, stood in front when going up stairs and went down before a lady when going down, and walked on the outside of the pavement. Food including fruits and bread were broken down into small bite size before eating. One mustn't take over a conversation or cut into other people’s speech and let him or her finish before speaking. When being introduced, ladies were not expect to offer their hands, but simply bow down by the neck. The man were allowed slightly kiss on the lady’s hand and forehead. And at most on the cheek. During a conversion with people who are less educated than you are, it was considered polite no to monopolise the conversation in a way another person could not comprehend. This were some of the few points of Victorian etiquette, which are still considered very polite and practical in today’s society.

Works Cited: "Victorian Rituals: The flirtatious glance back to a more romantic time.." //Victorian Era//. N.p., 12 Feb. 1997. Web. 20 Feb. 2010. .

Malheiro, B.. "Victorian Etiquette." //Victorian Era//. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2010. .

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Works Cited: Montgomery, Chuck. "The Victorian Society." Gentlemen of the Victorian Era//. N.p., 18 Apr. 2006. Web. 20 Feb. 2010. <1.bp.blogspot.com/_mgyYTW2w19c/SHvkHc12SqI/AAAAAAAADdk/rQ6F5FMsgOs/s400/10338_09.jpg>

Richards, Neil. "Victorian Etiquette."// Etiquette//. N.p., 21 Aug. 2009. Web. 20 Feb. 2010. //

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This site is reliable and useful because it clearly outlines and lists the important and interesting rituals of etiquette during the Victorian era. It is listed with information of significance and unlike other sites, it gives a clear division in the rules such as rules for conversation, letter writing, on the street, travelling, visiting, etc. This site is simply clear and is filled with useful information. And because it is in a list form is it easier to comprehend at a glance.
 * http://www.currensnet.com/ladies/et_genrl.htm**

This site, like the one listed above, is clear yet easy to understand. Unlike other sites with information of the Victorian era protocols, the two sites are solely dedicated to the art of etiquette of the Victorian era, hence making the information more rich, informative, and accurate than other sites that is just a jumble of many information all mixed together.
 * http://www.angelfire.com/ar3/townevictorian/victorianetiquette.html**