The class hierarchy during the 18th century, consisted of distinct
social groupings in which progressed into the 'upper class', 'middle class',
'working class' (labourers and unskilled workers) and the 'lower class'. The
Victorian Era was primal for social reform, as people were categorised into a
class, which varied depending on the individuals wealth, power, authority and
educational background. In general, Victorian society greatly influenced every
aspect of daily life and has contributed to the modified structure that exists
today.
Upper Class
Over time, the hereditary aristocracy (highest class in societies)
developed into what we know as the 'upper class', as many of the gentleman
during this period came from backgrounds of success within commerce, industry
and professions. It was clear that the basic standard of living for people were changing as many new nobles, alongside the steady growth of the wealthy class,
started to override the number of traditional families in society.
In terms of access to education, many of the rich families were
able to afford the best tutors for their children. This had a knock on effect
on society as a whole - for the upper class, it enabled them to have a leap start
in life and a secure future, whereas for the lower class there was a high
chance of remaining uneducated for the duration of their life time.
Moreover, women in the upper class were forced into a society, in
which marriage was the 'final destination'. A women's place remained at home
and men were believed to be the 'rulers' of the family. Mannerism and common
courtesy was well respected during this era, thus women were expected to
represent their husbands with grace and avoid any scandalous activity.
Evidently, the Bronte sisters published their books under
pseudonyms, as female authors during this time were not readily
accepted - Emily's name was 'Ellis Bell'. This reflects the restrictions placed
on women during this era, where personal achievement was unnoticed.
Middle Class
The Victorian period was very prosperous for the middle class, as
people managed to have ownership on vast businesses. The Industrial Revolution
was thriving, which provided job opportunities for many people so they could a
decent income.
Notably, people in the middle class also undertook roles as
servants in the Victorian houses of the upper class and saw it as a privileged
opportunity in doing so, as there was guaranteed food and shelter. People that
gained a profession (shopkeepers, nurses etc.) used it to pass themselves as a
member of the middle class in society.
In the opening of 'Wuthering Height', we're introduced to
Heathcliff as the 'landlord', however he lacks the privilege of his last name,
Earnshaw. During this era, the surname was an identifier of class, therefore
for Heathcliff to not have one, it implies that he's been denied a place in
social class. Thus, he's not truly an Earnshaw and wouldn't gain the benefits
of the middle class land-owning name.
Lower Class
At the very bottom of society, was the 'lower class', where there
was an abundance of labourers and unskilled workers, all of whom were deprived
of education and wealth. The lower class had a non-existent status within
society, where they were quite often looked down upon by classes of a higher
degree. The most common attribute within this class, was primarily the poverty
that had carried through generations of their family history.
Many workers were vulnerable to exploitation and experienced poor
working conditions on a daily basis. Gradually, conditions became very brutal,
so much so that children as young as 7 had no choice but to work away
from home, just to provide some kind of income.
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