Written By Maya Ameen
We see money everywhere, from grocery stores to stock exchanges. It plays a big role in our lives. Nowadays, we also use e-money. However, in the Victorian Era, things were different from what we might expect.
During the Victorian Era, money was a key factor in determining social status, dividing people into rich and poor, and into upper and lower caste. In the nineteenth century, England became a leading industrial power due to the Industrial Revolution. However, rather than benefiting society as a whole, this revolution primarily favoured the wealthy, who enjoyed lavish meals while the poor struggled to obtain even a small piece of bread.
Some historical records suggest that, in the past, poor children were used to clean chimneys. When people criticized this practice, the defenders argued that they only employed children because they were poor and small. They claimed that if the children had money, they wouldn’t have been made to work. This type of behaviour can be viewed as an example of capitalism in today’s world.
Some writers such as Charles Dickens and Oscar Wilde explained the hardships of Capitalism in their stories, portraying the lives of the characters as reflections of their own experiences. This inspired people to seek a change in society, leading to the rise of Socialism where money was used for financing, without creating distinctions between men and women.
In “The Model Millionaire,” Hugh Erskine faced the obstacle of not being able to marry Laura Merton due to her father’s request for ten thousand pounds. This situation sheds light on the undeniable significance of money in matters of the heart. In today’s society, while we recognise the importance of financial stability, we mustn’t let money become a dividing factor among us.
Featured Image Courtesy – Britannica
