Life For Rich Women in the Victorian Era

For the rich it was a life goal to marry, have children and raise them in a respectable manner. Being a devoted wife and mother was idealised during these times, which is why it was so devastating to be jilted on your wedding day, like Miss Havisham. This is also probably why Miss Havisham was so pushy for Estella to marry, even if she was to then be a weapon against men. Queen Victoria herself was the perfect role model who was devoted to her husband and children, even after King Alberts death. 

Avenell, M. (No Date ). Victorian Portraits . Available: http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofEnglish/visual-culture/painting/Victoria-portraits.html. Last accessed 12th April 2015.

The higher class would enjoy the finer things in life such as grand social parties and dances. This is where they could mingle with others of high class and was where they would usually meet their suitors. To these affairs they would wear fine dresses which would show their upper class status. The clothing also became more sexualised, showing more skin on the top of the body, and exaggerated the hips and waist. What they wore would also indicate to the other guests how wealthy their family were.

Janowski, D. (No Date ). Types of Victorian Dances. Available: http://www.victorianpride.com/dances.html. Last accessed 12th April 2015.

Wealthy Women were lucky enough to be able to afford travelling. Although this will always be done with the husband and be to very specific destinations. other more common activities included sewing, visiting friends and families, entertaining visitors and reading/writing. 

Reference:

History is now magazine editors. (April 21, 2014). How the Other Half Lived: Rich and Poor Women in Victorian Britain. Available: http://www.historyisnowmagazine.com/blog/2014/4/21/how-the-other-half-lived-rich-and-poor-women-in-victorian-britain#.VSq0nimRPzI=. Last accessed 12th April 2015.

Sophie. (March 16, 2009). Women in Victorian Era. Available: http://victorianerawomen.blogspot.co.uk/2009/03/women-in-victorian-era_16.html. Last accessed 12th April 2015.