Life of a Governess in the Victorian Era

The video explores the role of governesses in Victorian England, highlighting their social status, employment challenges, and educational expectations. It discusses the societal views on governesses, their ambiguous social position, and their influence on literature. The video also covers the evolution of female education and the impact of governesses on the families they served.

Which two novels are mentioned as featuring governesses?

• Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights

• Jane Eyre and Vanity Fair

• Sense and Sensibility and Middlemarch

• Great Expectations and Emma

By 1851, how many women in England were working as governesses?

• 25,000

• 10,000

• 15,000

• 20,000

What was considered a respectable job for educated women in the 19th century?

• Factory worker

• Seamstress

• Shop assistant

• Teacher or governess

Why did the Brontë sisters have to work as teachers and governesses?

• They were writing a book about governesses

• They were passionate about teaching

• They wanted to travel

• Their father lacked a private income

What was one way a governess could leave her job?

• Starting her own school

• Finding a better employer

• Getting married

• Saving enough money

What was the purpose of the Governesses’ Benevolent Institution?

• To offer financial support to governesses

• To improve employment conditions for governesses

• To provide education for governesses

• To find jobs for governesses

What subjects were young ladies taught by governesses?

• Mathematics, Science, and History

• English grammar, History, Geography, and French

• Economics, Politics, and Law

• Latin, Greek, and Philosophy

What was considered more important than academic knowledge for a governess?

• Her physical appearance

• Her social status

• Her personal presentation and manners

• Her family background

Why was life as a governess often lonely and difficult?

• They were not allowed to leave the house

• They had to work long hours

• They were not paid well

• Their social status was ambiguous

How did some servants feel about the governess?

• They admired her education

• They resented her education and class standing

• They were indifferent towards her

• They wanted to be like her