Why was Victorian etiquette important?

During the Victorian times, etiquette was extremely important. Social living was as much a part of the Victorian society as academics. Many books have been written to instruct young men and women on proper ways to conduct themselves. Many manuals were published which were filled with content that molded the moral characters of the young readers.


Women were judged by their manners. The way they acted showed their class, status, upbringing, family's wealth and the quality of their education. It often reflected the kind of man they would marry. They had to devote attention to the study of their refinement and manners. If they didn't, they wouldn't be able to marry into a good class or even marry at all.