How to Be a Proper Victorian: Part 2 Skip to main content
Test

How to Be a Proper Victorian: Part 2

by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg In the last post, I outlined some of the important rules that Upper Class Victorians followed closely. At rehearsal this past week, I asked the wonderful actors in our show to demonstrate some of the rules (and what it looked like when your broke them). Take a look at the pictures below, get a glimpse into Victorian etiquette, and see the silliness of the amazing cast! First, I had the cast display bad posture that couldn't be found at someone's house while visiting. Posture was always meant to be upright, with no slouching, leaning, or relaxing in any inappropriate manner. [caption id="attachment_4888" align="aligncenter" width="584"]

From left: Meg Flinders, Emma Widtfeld, Stephen Moore, and Sean Worsley

From left: Meg Flinders, Emma Widtfeldt, Stephen Moore, and Sean Worsley[/caption] Next, I had them demonstrate proper escorting etiquette. While men were allowed to escort two women if necessary on the street, women were never allowed to have two men on their arms. [caption id="attachment_4890" align="alignright" width="225"]

From left: Sean Worsley, Emma Widtfeldt, and Spencer Hunsicker

From left: Sean Worsley, Emma Widtfeldt, and Spencer Hunsicker[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4889" align="alignnone" width="225"]

From left: Meg Flinders, Sean Worsley, and Emma Widtfeldt

From left: Meg Flinders, Sean Worsley, and Emma Widtfeldt[/caption]   This next picture is a hodge-podge of no-no's for Victorian's. The actors got creative and put on a display of deplorable crimes to commit while visiting someone's home. One pose was actually a rule, though: no picking at your teeth while calling. [caption id="attachment_4891" align="aligncenter" width="584"]

From left: Meg Flinders, Emma Widtfeldt, Spencer Hunsicker (blissfully unaware), and Sean Worsley

From left: Meg Flinders, Emma Widtfeldt, Spencer Hunsicker (blissfully unaware), and Sean Worsley[/caption] Finally, I had Sean portray another rule that would have been embarrassing if one was caught committing it: looking at the handkerchief after one blows their nose into it. That was considered disgusting, and no one could do that if they were in polite company; it wouldn't seem proper. [caption id="attachment_4892" align="alignleft" width="225"]

Sean Worsley

Sean Worsley[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4893" align="alignright" width="225"]

Sean Worsley

Sean Worsley[/caption]                   This was a fun exercise to understand some of the intricate rules that Victorian's had to abide by. Hopefully you found this a funny and informative way to learn about the era!

Related Articles

data-content-type="article"

What Makes a Classic?

April 22, 2025 06:56 PM
On any list of “must-read classics” you will find Great Expectations. Since its publication in 1861, this novel has inspired numerous adaptations, including at least 28 films and TV series and more than 11 different plays.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

She Loves Me - A musical from the Golden Age

April 19, 2025 04:03 PM
She Loves Me is a musical with a book written by Joe Masteroff (Cabaret), and music by the duo Harnick and Bock (Fiddler on the Roof, and Fiorello!). This is one of many musicals written during the time period known as the Golden Age of musical theater.
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=
data-content-type="article"

Fed UP!

April 10, 2025 01:41 PM
An exciting new musical by recent BYU graduate Joseph Phillips, directed by current BYU student Lydia Cox
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=