During the Victorian Era, the only citizens that were formally educated were men, especially those of noble status. However, public schools in the nineteenth century became popular for those in the middle class. They placed an emphasis on the importance of sportsmanship and “Muscular Christianity” (British Library). Along with public schools, there were parish schools, church schools, and Jews Free school. An alternative to education during the Victorian time period were apprenticeships. If an individual were to acquire a position, they would be trained by a master to earn their living while being provided lodging and clothes (British Library).

Throughout this era, women were typically uneducated until around 1848. Particularly in the upper classes of the societal system, women were expected to marry and care for the household, so there was no need for a formal education. In the novel Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen, the Dashwood sisters embody the standard role for women at the time. The girls were expected to find noble husbands and be married off. Specifically, in one scene of the book, Marianne is being read to by Colonel Brandon because the two were pursuing a relationship.  Throughout the Victorian era, females typically were not educated, therefore, the Dashwood girls were read to by males.

Works Cited

British Library, https://www.bl.uk/victorian-britain/articles/education-in-victorian-britain.