Confusion, Confession and Conviction

by Victoria Winfield

  According to Robert Southey, the elegance and glamor presented by the Prince Regent did nothing to represent the squalor beneath it and deeply widespread in the society. The level of stratification, gape between the rich and poor, and the sociocultural changes were underway in the society. However, these transformations were not captured in the romanticism and glamor depicted by the Prince Regent. In fact, the level of poverty in the kingdom provided a sharp contrast to the social circle of George IV; therefore, he did not understand the true status of the society as he achieved the extravagant renaissance of the architectural and artistic aspects of Britain at the expense of programs to better improve the lives of the majority of the society languishing in squalor.

  The start of the Regency period, after the retirement of George III and his eventual death, sparked the start of a more ostentatious and frivolous society and the end of the hitherto reserved and pious one. This change was occasioned by the Prince Regent because he was massively removed and out of touch with the real politics of the land and the machinations of the societal structure and the changes underway that could transform Britain permanently. The shielding of the Prince Regent from the harsh realities meant that he did not channel his energies in positive projects aimed at establishing a better society for all classes. This meant that George IV was left to purse pleasure and fight against the disapproval and censure he received from his father and his circle. This drove him more and more away from the political agenda of the lower classes and towards the upper classes pursuit of pleasure as represented in his extravagance in ordering the building of architectural gems at the cost of many people.

  At the same time, the Regency period saw a significant increase of the young people in the population. This established the enthusiasm and energy of the youth towards transformation and change. Similarly, the technological advancement during this time also offered a gateway to significant transformation of core socioeconomic and political issues in Britain. Coupled with the youthful exuberance, the period witnessed increased sociocultural and economic changes throughout the society. For example, in 1814, steam printing technology was adopted by The Times. This was significant because it increased the number of sheets it could print within an hour. It increased the number of sheets printed in an hour from 200 to around 1,100. This meant that more and more people could receive the print paper. The five-fold surge in production capacity and demand led to the increased spread of the popular stories during this era such as the flaunting of the rich and their behaviors. Often, these stories were vaguely aimed at certain individuals and families in the society. The emergence of the popular romance novels depicted the upper class families as fantastical and wondrous fiction. These novels also portrayed the life of the upper class families as something out of reach of many of the lower classes. This was a reflection of the core mentality of many of the affluent and rich families in the land. They took the cue from the Prince Regent that they were the top and most important people in the kingdom. Therefore, the peasants and other lower classes in the society had a duty to serve and obey them, because they lived at their mercy. This portrayal of the poor helped to embed the gap between the rich and the poor even further.

  The steam printing technology ushered in the period’s popular culture that was driven largely by the stories and rumors emanating form the aristocrats in the society. It helped to advance the school of thought that the superiority in the society was determined by wealth. It did not matter the hard work of an individual, their individual talent in art and architecture, or their natural physical athleticism and capabilities, there was not route to being successful without appeasing the aristocrats in the society. This culture also led to the obsession of the upper classes and the failure to focus on some of the major challenges the lower classes were facing. This is specially the case because the gap between the upper classes and the lower classes was increasing significantly. With the explosion of the population, squalor increased significantly without the leading families taking any tangible action to remedy the runaway negative changes.

  2.1 The Social Hierarchy during the Regency Period

  The social hierarchy during this era was primarily determined through material wealth. In fact, wealth was the currency that earned an individual respect and recognition in the society. This means that the Regency era English communities paid massive focus on the acquisition of wealth because it determined their position in the society, the level of respect, recognition and importance in the community. Many of these aspects were introduced around this time because of the changes to the social, political, and economic conditions in the country due to the wars and other factors explained above. As indicated above, the Napoleonic wars and other achievements in arts and architecture contributed to these extensive changes in the society. However, it is crucial to understand the social hierarchy of the time because it was the primary driver of interactions, relationships, and transactions as well. Class, was the primary distinction in the society; the entire society was divided it classes. In this case, people in different certain classes were associated with particular professions and thus, they got salaries commensurate to the classes and standing in the society. Some of these classes are discussed below:

  Upper Class – This was also referred to as the aristocracy. It was comprised of royal family members, spiritual lords, members of the baronet degree, and all high-profile officers. They had the ultimate power and influence in the country. All laws and decrees emanated from this class. They controlled the allocation of land and property throughout the Kingdom. Therefore, the upper classes were also the richest in the land.

  Second Class – This class was comprised of baronets, knights, country gentlemen, and other individuals in Britain with high incomes. This class was closely related to the upper class. This is because they drew their power, influence, and wealth through their connections and relations with the ruling class in the society.

  Third Class – This class consisted of the dignified professions such as bankers, doctors, member soft h clergy, merchants, and various large scale manufacturers. These people were in charge of the day-to-day production processes across the society. They controlled the forces of demand and supply in the market. They were also responsible for both local and international trade that was crucial for the economy of Britain.

  Fourth Class – This level comprised of shopkeepers, builders, owners, artists, teachers, lawyers, second class manufacturers, and ship owners.

  Fifth Class – This class was comprised of innkeepers, shopkeepers, persons belonging in miscellaneous occupations, and publicans.

  Sixth Class – The working mechanics, craftsmen, and agricultural laborers belonged in this class.

  Seventh Class – This was considered the lowest class in the society; some of the people classed here include gypsies, paupers, and vagrants.

  Additionally, the army and navy was a designated class in the society. This class occupied a crucial position in the Regency era because of the frequent wars such as the Napoleonic conflicts and others during this period. It consisted of the commissioned and non-commissioned officers, soldiers, seamen, marines, and pensioners as well.

  2.1.1 The Calling Culture

  During this period, calling was a popular principle. However, the calling culture was confined to the social classes described above. For example, people from the first class used to call on other families from the same social class as guests. In this case, the calling cards were primarily used as the core driver of this culture. This culture allowed many of these families to establish relationships and share stories regarding their professions. It helped to establish a communal culture within these social classes. However, the lack of vertical visiting of people or families from different classes meant that the stratification of the time continued to worsen. Additionally, it made it extremely difficult to establish an environment that fostered social mobility. This is because for an individual in the seventh class to obtain wealth, he or she needed the support
of someone in the first class. Since interaction between the social classes did not happen often, it was extremely challenging to enhance social mobility.

  Moreover, the debuting culture was popular in the first and second class families. Debuting refers to the declaration of a young woman’s formal debut in the society and thus announcing her eligibility for marriage. The debuting of the women in the upper social classes made their debuts in social gatherings. The mothers had the responsibility of introducing their daughters in the social circles. The debuting and the behavior of women in the period were under strict etiquette rules. For example, the young unmarried women in the communities were not allowed to appear in public without the supervision of chaperons. This was a massive highlight of a patriarchal society where the role of women was tightly controlled to suit the needs and wants of the men.

  CHAPTER 3: THE REGENCY SOCIETY’S RULES AND ETIQUETTE

  3.1 The Etiquette of Young Ladies during the Regency

  The standing of a young lady in the British society during the Regency era was massively driven by her reputation. In this case, her behavior and conduct in public contributed to the construct of her reputation. For example, if a young lady fell while exiting a carriage, it could spark a round of gossip that would seriously ruin her reputation. Therefore, the conduct of these women in public was closely choreographed to establish a certain reputation and sense of control that helped them when it came to getting the right marriage. In fact, making a good marriage was considered very important in determining a young lady’s future. As a result, all aspects of etiquette were closely observed in the society.

  The widely held belief in the society during this period was that the “well-bred” women radiated a general and natural sense of delicacy. For example, it was broadly expected that poise and taste could naturally come to a lady. Therefore, the case where a lady was worried about liking in the right way was indicative of poor breeding. The stakes were raised because once a lady’s reputation was ruined; there was no bringing it back. Therefore, the conduct and lives of the young ladies in the society was carefully choreographed to reflect and enhance their reputation and that of their families. Therefore, a single unfortunate event or occurrence could have the power to dictate the rest of a lady’s life.

  The primary understanding of these seemingly restrictive and awkward etiquette rules is that they were designed to prevent cases of embarrassment or misunderstanding. This was especially the case for the women in the society during the Regency era. Some of the etiquette rules are discussed below:

  Ladylike Deportment

  The young ladies were required to maintain an upward or erect posture when standing or sitting. This is because leaning back or slouching was considered slothful; the only exception to this requirement was when one was infirm. Well-bred women were expected to move in an upright manner and moved with ease and grace. The ladies were expected to exude calmness when dealing with different situations privately and publicly. They were supposed to maintain the manners, deportment, and elegance at all times. Courtesy and dignity was expected from the “proper ladies” in the society at all times to strangers and acquaintances alike. They were also expected to keep at arm’s length the individuals that portrayed excessive familiarity. They were expected to avoid vulgarity or conversations or interactions that could bring them dishonor. Consequently, ladies were allowed to suffer from hysteria, vapors, or faith when faced with high levels of vulgarities.

  Chaperones

  Young women that were unmarried were not allowed to be in the company of another gentleman without the company of close family friends or family members. This is because to be labeled “fast” was one of the worst stigmas in the social set ups during the Regency era. During social occasions, the young unmarried ladies were also not allowed to attend alone; they could only be allowed to attend with a chaperone. Additionally, the ladies were not allowed to call upon a gentleman without a chaperone; the only exception was if she is consulting the man on a business or professional matter. Women were only allowed to walk alone in the early morning walks to church or the park; otherwise, they were not allowed to walk alone.

  These regulations were designed to maintain the “honor” of the ladies in the society. The compliance to these etiquettes provisions was high because the conventional thinking in the society was consistent with a largely patriarchy. For example, although women were allowed to drive carriages, when they left the family estate, they were required to drive under the supervision or presence of the groom. Companions were required to ensure that the woman’s reputation was maintained in the social circles. With the steam printing technology ushering the era of gossip and “tabloid-like” sharing of information, the need to maintain the reputation and honor of the women was paramount. In fact, the entire social structure of the Regency era society was designed and revolved around the respect, reputation, and role of women in the development and sustenance of the family homes.

  Introduction between a man and a woman

  Interactions during the Regency period were largely based on the strict and closely regulated channels to establish acquaintances. In this case, formal introductions were mainly used as a means to establish an acquaintance between a young unmarried lady and a gentleman. In fact, ladies were not allowed to interact with strangers; this is because this could contribute to a tarnishing of her reputation in their social circles in the community. This etiquette rule applied across all the members of the family. The man of the house had the responsibility of making the formal introductions before such interactions could happen. Subsequently, the members of the family could be allowed to socialize with the new acquaintances. Additionally, after such formal introductions, custom dictated that a lady had to acknowledge the gentleman with a slight bow. If this was not done, then the gentleman could not acknowledge the lady, which would be tarnishing to her reputation. Failure of an individual to recognize an acquaintance was a massive breach of convention in the society, and it was considered a cut. Therefore, bar for absolute necessity, a lady was not supposed to “cut” someone, especially a formally introduced acquaintance.

  Speaking in Public

  Socialization was primarily conducted through conversation. As a result, ladies were trained on the art of polite exchange and pleasing conversation. There was a massive limit to the topics that were acceptable and considered appropriate for such conversations between a gentleman and a lady. For example, dressing comments were considered rude. Personal remarks were limited to siblings, parents and children. Chattering and chitchat about scandals were highly prohibited. However, this started to be eroded significantly with the increased printing of The Times, which increased the sharing of stories regarding other people’s personal lives among the aristocrats. Ladies were expected to be offended when one talked about issues related to sex.

  Physical touch and Intimacy

  The strict etiquette rules prohibited a man from touching a woman. At the same time, a gentleman was allowed to help a lady climbing a carriage. Additionally, men were allowed to take a lady’s hand through his to help her during a walk. Shaking hands was considered improper.

  At the Dance Floor

  The strict rules of etiquette regulating the interaction between individuals of the opposite gender in the society made it difficult for such interactions. It also meant that courtships were limited to formal meetings in social circles that were closely monitored. However, the dance floor took a massive importance in the community because it is one of the places where the interaction of the sexes was not prohibited or shunned in the community. It allows gentlemen to court girls through dancing and interacting for potential marriages. The ballroom environment guaranteed proper conduct and respect of all the involved parties. The music and dance provide a cover for young people to talk and touch in ways that were not permitted in the conventional environment. In public balls, the master of ceremonies played the curial role of introducing the gentlemen and the ladies to the dance. This was
essential because the ladies were not allowed to dance with men that had not been introduced. However, private balls were different; this is because all the guests were considered introduced and thus ladies could dance freely.

  Dining Table Etiquette

  Dinner services were common in balls; therefore, all the guests were expected to conduct themselves with dignity and consistent with the etiquette rules of such events. Eating too fast or very slowly was considered vulgar. Additionally, a lady that was eating or drinking in excess would tarnish her reputation because this was considered vulgar. Individuals were not allowed to leave the dinner table before the grace was said or pick their teeth before the dishes were removed.

  Many of these etiquette rules are presented by Jane Austen to many people’s surprise. This is because many of the rules and etiquette provisions do not apply in the present day societal structure and set-up. However, Austen argues that the Regency period provided a massive view of the evolution and development of etiquette and social evolution regarding mannerisms, behavior, relationships, and marriages. These rules ensured that interactions between individuals in the society did not occur in a vacuum. Always, they ensured that such relations were influenced and regulated by conventional rules. This ensured that people had an understanding of their roles in the society and their responsibilities in their families and the community.