Kathleen Niemann, who plays Major Barbara, asked me about more information about women during the period in regards to the Undershaft family. Though there is plenty of poverty and middle class people during the Edwardian Era, some forget about the Nobility that influenced the time from the era before.
The class system of Victorian England set strict guidelines for the role women played. There were four classes: Nobility, Middle Class, Upper and Lower Working Class, each with their own guidelines of standards and rules for women they were expected to follow.
The highest of course was the Nobility, who gained their wealth from inherited land and titles. Though many thought women of this class laid around in the lap of luxury, they were very busy and had important roles in the family infrastructure. Major Barbara, like many upper class women, were very involved in charities and other organizations across London. Women saw it as their moral and religious obligation to help those in need. Matriarchs of the family like Lady Britomart were in charge of the household. Lady Britomart controlled the finances of her family and finding spouses for her children after she divorced from Undershaft.
The class system of Victorian England set strict guidelines for the role women played. There were four classes: Nobility, Middle Class, Upper and Lower Working Class, each with their own guidelines of standards and rules for women they were expected to follow.
The highest of course was the Nobility, who gained their wealth from inherited land and titles. Though many thought women of this class laid around in the lap of luxury, they were very busy and had important roles in the family infrastructure. Major Barbara, like many upper class women, were very involved in charities and other organizations across London. Women saw it as their moral and religious obligation to help those in need. Matriarchs of the family like Lady Britomart were in charge of the household. Lady Britomart controlled the finances of her family and finding spouses for her children after she divorced from Undershaft.
“Ladies were ladies in those days; they did not do things themselves, they told others what to do and how to do it.” - Etty Raverat
However, ladies of the Nobility also found leisure time, the most popular being dancing. Unmarried women spent time catching up with other single women. They would eventually become social hostesses. When finding someone and becoming engaged, she would still not be allowed to be alone in a carriage with her fiance, she was to proper. When married, they were in charge of the house, and had no time for talking with friends.
Many signs of body language signified the maturity of the woman. A girl with her hair up symbolized a readiness to get married, why free flowing hair showed virginity. When a girl joined society officially, it was referred to as her period of 'coming out'. Young women were given little preparation. Their only education was piano, dancing, some German and French, and table manners.
Many signs of body language signified the maturity of the woman. A girl with her hair up symbolized a readiness to get married, why free flowing hair showed virginity. When a girl joined society officially, it was referred to as her period of 'coming out'. Young women were given little preparation. Their only education was piano, dancing, some German and French, and table manners.
The life of an upper class woman was not as secure as many would like to believe. All inheritance, land to wealth, was passed on to the oldest son or next closet male relative. If there was no oldest son, then it would go instead to more distant family members. The only money going to unmarried women if their father would pass away, would be a dowry set for marriage. This is why Lady Britomart makes it her main priority throughout the play to secure marriage and inheritance for her children, especially for Barbara and Sarah. Though divorced, the family is dependent on Undershaft for their lively hood.
For more information:
Thomas , Pauline. "The Mood of Edwardian Society." Edwardian Society. Fashion-Era.com, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.fashion-era.com/the_mood_of_edwardian_society.htm>
"Women of Victorian England." Women of Victorian England. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://crayzray.tripod.com/clpage/writtings/other/victorian_women.htm>
Thomas , Pauline. "The Mood of Edwardian Society." Edwardian Society. Fashion-Era.com, n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://www.fashion-era.com/the_mood_of_edwardian_society.htm>
"Women of Victorian England." Women of Victorian England. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. <http://crayzray.tripod.com/clpage/writtings/other/victorian_women.htm>
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