The Day in the Life of a Wealthy Gentleman: Victorian Era vs Now By: Elliot Kaufman
What is a gentleman? "is what the word says, that he comes from a pure gens, or is perfectly bred. After that, gentleness and sympathy, or kind disposition and fine imagination." (Ruskin)
Wealthy victorian gentlemen had very luxurious houses. Many stories, rooms, designs, bathrooms, and flushing toilets!
Wealthy Victorian gentleman while at work, had servants to do work around the house. They also had nannies to watch kids while at work.
GENTLEMAN DIDN'T HAVE MUCH OF A CHOICE IN CLOTHES. THEY WORE A LONG, SLIM, BLACK FROCK COAT, A BLACK HEAVY VEST, A WHITE SHIRT WITH WHITE CUFFS AND A COLLAR, A BOWTIE, A BLACK TOP HAT, AND DARK SLACKS. THE REASON FOR ALL OF THE DARKNESS WAS THAT AFTER PRINCE ABLERT DIED, QUEEN VICTORIA ONLY WORE DARK CLOTHES, AND THE PEOPLE EMULATED THAT.
There were a few occupations, where the worker must be a wealthy gentleman. Examples of those jobs are, a member of parliament, an army general, and a clergy.
There were many things that wealthy gentleman did for leisure after work in the Victorian Era. Some from that time were, going to the pantomime, playing piano, dancing, horse riding, gambling, and meeting at places such as Vauxhall, or cremone gardens. Some even went on seaside vacations.
Life of a Wealthy Gentleman Now
What is the definition of a gentleman today? “a man of high social status” (Merriam Webster). This is a much broader, and less qualifying definition.
Today wealthy gentleman have the same type of houses as in the Victorian Era. They can have many stories, or just be on lots of land. They have many rooms too, but flushing is not much of a novelty now!
Wealthy gentlemen today have much more of a clothing choice than the victorian's did. Now gentleman wear suits of any color or pattern along with any colored or patterned tie.
The Jobs that made gentlemen in the victorian era are still important, but there are many more choices now. Some include, doctors, computer technologists, and lawyers. They are very important to society and people's lives.
What wealthy gentlemen do for leisure has slightly changed since the victorian era. It has become more active and expensive than it used to be. For instance, gentlemen now buy boats and golf at clubs, or collect expensive things such as cars or wine. Very expensive, very classy.
Lots has changed between wealthy victorian gentleman and wealthy gentleman now, but there are also some similarities in lifestyle.