Guide to Late-Nineteenth-Century Etiquette

In the nineteenth centery people had better manners than what we have today. The middle class had alot of proper manners to follow. The new middle class felt like they have arrived at a better society plane. There for, they need to show proper manner dress nicely and have fashionable homes. Each gender had their do's and don't when they went out to places. They had to follow them unless they wanted to be talked about the next day. So it was a mian thing to have proper manners. Mrs. Emily didnt like to go out because people judge her and always said something. So she just rather stay home and not have to deal with the problem. She most likely didnt follow the etiquette. She probably didnt feel like she fit in nomore.

Do's and Dont's in the 19th century for ladies

Do's:

• Graciously accept gentlemanly offer of assistance
• Wear gloves on the street, at church, and formal occasions except when eating
• When crossing the street, one must lift her dress a bit above the ankle while holding the folds of her gown together in her right hand and drawing them toward the right. It was considered vulgar to raise the dress with both hands as it would show too much ankle.
• When introduced to a man a lady never offers her hand she bows politely and says "I am happy to make your acquaintance."

Dont's

• Refer to another adult by his or her first name in public.
• Grab your hoops of your hoop skirts or lift your skirts higher than is absolutely necessary to go up stairs.
• Lift your skirts up onto a chair or stool to sit down.
• Sit with your legs crossed except at the ankles if necessary for comfort or habit.
• Lift your skirts up onto the seat of your chair when sitting down. Wait for, or if necessary, ask for assistance when sitting down at a table or on a small light chair.
• Speak in a loud.

 Not many ladies follow the manners they had in the ninetheenth century. We dont have to wear gloves in the streets nomore. When we meet new guys we dont bow we simple do a handshake and say it was nice to meet you. We dont always wear dresses like they did. So alot of the do's and dont's change now in this days than what it use to be.