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=Victorian Manners and Etiquette - Jenny P = =Summary=

In Victorian culture, parties played a huge role. At parties, people not only danced but also met others and introduced themselves to the society, especially if they were ladies. Since parties were such an important part of Victorian culture, there were several rules and manners that had to be followed in order to be considered as a lady or gentleman of decorum. Therefore, by looking at the party rules and decorum, many Victorian manners and etiquette can be understood. When issuing invitations to host a party, invitations were to be sent out at least seven to ten days before the day of the party, and were to be replied back with a receipt stating whether the person would be attending the party. On the day of the party, people thought that it was rather fashionable to arrive about an hour later than the time it actually starts. Ladies were to come with their mothers if they were not married, and were to come with their husbands if they were already married. During the parties, ladies had to avoid speaking or boasting too much, because it was thought to be an ungraceful act. They were not supposed to whisper to their partners, nor were supposed to recommend a gentleman of acquaintance to other ladies without partners. Gentlemen, on the other hand, were not supposed to take seats next to a lady who is a stranger. Victorian manners and etiquette can also be found in the dining rules. Ladies were to remove their gloves once they were seated, and men were to remove their gloves before they were seated. It was thought to be ridiculous to show napkins, and people were never to take bread themselves but were to call upon a servant. When eating bread, instead of cutting bread with a knife, people had to use their hands. Napkins were to be used before and after drinking something. As shown in the list of behaviors to follow at parties or dining tables, rules that ladies and gentlemen follow were different. This is because there were distinct qualities of ladies and gentlemen. First of all, to be considered as a lady, a woman was to be quiet in manners, natural in language, and careful to hurt nobody's feelings. Ladies never scorn people publicly, but rather feel gentle pity for the unfortunate, inferior, and ignorant. Young ladies who are not married never wear diamonds, rich furs, or other excessively luxurious ornaments in Victorian society. On the other hand, qualities of a gentleman included avoiding anything that may cause pain in minds of others, being tender and gentle towards people, guarding against topics that may irritate others, never speaking of himself except when forced to do so, not being interested in gossip, interpreting everything for the best, and never taking any unfair advantage over others. Thus, it can be concluded that Victorian manners and etiquette that were to be followed were very strict. This kind of society no longer exists today, but it is definitely an interesting part of the past to know.

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=For Further Research=
 * http://logicmgmt.com/1876/etiquette/etiquette.htm
 * Authorship: There is a clear author named Elisabeth Prescott Ashton. She is a staff of a company that researches Victorian society.
 * Purpose and Audience: It is clear, and its purpose is to inform readers about Victorian society. The audience is intended to be anyone who visits and is interested in Victorian society.
 * http://www.erasofelegance.com/history/victorianlife.html
 * Sponsorship: Eras of Elegance is an incorporation and materials of the website are protected by the U.S. copyright law
 * Purpose and Audience: The purpose is to inform people about the different ages of elegance in history. The Victorian Era is also described. The Audience is intended to be anyone who is interested about ages of elegance in American history.

=Works Cited=
 * The Art of Manliness. //How to Give Flowers Like a Victorian Gentleman//. Painting. 27 July. 2008. Web. 22 Feb. 2010.
 * TimesOnline. //Consumerism, greed and guilt - a real Victorian Christmas.// Ink on paper. 26 Dec. 2009. Web. 22 Dec. 2010.
 * Victorian Days. //Shall We Dine?// Painting. 2008. Web. 22 Feb. 2010.
 * Victorian Station. //What is a Gentleman?// Victorian Station, 16 Dec. 2007. Web. 11 Feb. 2010.
 * Wells, Richard A.. //Manners Culture and Dress of the Best American Society//. King, Richardson &: Co., Publishers, 1893. Web. 11 Feb. 2010.