What was it like to be a Victorian teenager?

Answer 1

I would say there were toextremes you were either rich or poor there was no imbetween.If you were lucky enough to be 1 of those fortunately rich ones you would have had an basic education which would probably consist of history maths and English as you wouldn't really need anything more although if you were a boy. If you happened to be a girl you would had,had lessons on how to be a house mum and how to sew and all that girl Victorian things.Now on to the less fortunate you would have to be sweeping a rich house being a maid sweeping chimneys working in a factory and so on.

Though later on they have had become fortunate enough to get a education no matter what you're family financial crisis.

We should be grateful for what we have today as they probably had nothing like it!!!!!!

Answer 2

It depended on many factors such as health, social class, personality, gender etc. As lives of modern day teenagers are different, so were the lives of young people in the Victorian times. The concept of a 'teenager' is a rather modern one and there was no 'teen culture' as we know it today.

Once a child, especially from a poor family, has reached maturity, he or she would be expected to take on adult roles. Teenagers from poor backgrounds would either find work or help at home. With the industrial revolution, the most common jobs for an able bodied young person would be in a factory or as a domestic servant. Boys could take on an apprenticeship to develop their skills, unfortunately the field was much more limited for girls. Women were payed less in almost every position, even if doing the same workload as men. Desperate young women would sell their bodies and prostitution in Victorian times was very common and many prostitutes would have started work during their adolescence.

On the other hand, those born into the middle and upper classes would have a more cultured, careful upbringing that would make them socially presentable. Until 16 or 18 both boys and girls would be sent to boarding schools or be taught at home by a tutor, governess or parent. Some of these young people wrote diaries about their school experiences and/or their introduction to social life which can be very valuable sources. Marriage was considered very important. Parents of children that are of marriageable age and the children themselves would be already contemplating it. Many people married while still in their teenage years. Young spouses of very high ranking personages might get help from their elders but they would still be expected to carry out their duties regardless of age.

Answer 3

Being a Victorian boy at that time was a hard cruel life.You would have to work nearly every day and with no education to the less fortunate it is very hard to just get food.