The Victorian Era

When did the Victorian Era begin?

In 1837 with Queen Victoria’s coronation when Emily Brontë was 15 years old.

What did those who lived in the Victorian Age have?

A strong sense of social responsibility toward the poor and lower classes, and artists and innovative thinkers often believed it was their duty to be a good example, which in some ways caused the Victorian age to later be described as "prudish," "repressed," and "old-fashioned."

When did the Victorian period last until?

1901, many innovations and historical changes took place philosophically and politically throughout.

What philosophical and political changes took place in this period?

Workers unions bloomed and later on in the period Darwinism and Freud's theories revolutionized beliefs about the individual.

When did Brontë become of age in the Victorian period?

In the earlier part of the period.

What did mass society abide by?

Mass society still abided by religious sentiments and strict social codes although Christianity was beginning to be called into question on a large scale.

What were women expected to do during this period? And what were the consequences?

Women were expected to obey their husbands; respectability and sexual propriety were the goals, and anyone who did not follow the implicit rules was criticized or ostracized.

Why was Wuthering Heights initially received unfavourably?

The oppressive morality of the time affected Brontë’s upbringing and therefore Wuthering Heights was recieved unfavorable by critics and the public because it defied expectations of the time.