Double Morality In The Victorian Era
It is said that when Queen Victoria was told she was going to be the next queen, she claimed she would seek the best for England despite her youth and inexperience (“Queen Victoria: A Life; Lytton Strachey). In fact, she become the symbol of a century and a woman who set the rules for a society named after her. Her reign lasted sixty-four years (1837-1901) and it is known as the most glorious era of England. Not only did England turned into a world power regarding politics but also as regards the economy development due to the Industrial Revolution. However, the common perception of the period is that the Victorians were “prudish, hypocritical, stuffy, [and] narrow-minded” (Murfin 496). In spite of being prudish and judgmental, they seen to be …show more content…
It was a society that pretended to be always calm, gentle and balance. Yet, considering that Victorians were just as any human being, it can be seen as quite impossible to be able to hide all emotions and manage to control every thought. This strict moral code might have (unconsciously) caused the double morality in this society, making them pretend and obliging them to hide what they really wanted. For instance, The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde shows how people from the high class does what it is considered incorrect and immoral in hours and places prohibited for the honorable members of Victorian society. After Dorian realizes he would be forever beautiful and perfect, he sets free all his impulses and strives for constant pleasure and satisfaction without caring neither about the physical consequences of consuming alcohol, drugs, staying awake for hours, going to parties almost every night and visiting places where he is exposed to violent and perverse situations nor his friends’ respect towards him; he has the possibility of expressing himself and living without worries, something his acquaintances cannot do or if they allowed themselves those
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