Charles and Harriet Cornewall by J.Downman,
1790.
Both George and Titania live in upper-class wealthy families. They have both money and social position.
Upper-class parents often spoiled their children horribly. Besides having
the best toys and clothing, these children were often so used to geting
their
way, that they frequently threw tantrums. These young lords and ladies
were usually not included in the social life of the household. However
when they
did join their parents for a social occassion they were often
ill-mannered. They ate whatever they wanted, consumed alcohol and played
around the table. One case of a spoiled youth
is here described: "The eldest boy was a perfect pest in the house,
although only about five years old...he screamed out every now and then
and
made such a noise."
10
The Painter's daughter by T. Gainsborough, 1756
Wealthy children were generally brought up by their nurses and
governesses and spent most of thier time in the nursery. They only saw
their parents at teatime or during the few hours
before
bed. Additionally, children of the upper class were generally left in the
country. London was regarded as an immoral place unfit for children.
They were not brought to town generally until they were old enough to
court. Thus,
many children did not see their parents during the entire London social
season. When they did see their parents, there was a certain air
of formality. They were required to present themselves in heavy clothing
and tight curls and were often asked to recite poetry, nusery rhymes or a
Bible verse. In fact, on Sundays they were only allowed to read the Bible
or play with a Noah's Ark toy.
Two Boys by F. Hayman, 1740.
During the first part of the eighteenth century, children were taught to kneel to recieve their parents' blessing and adressed them as "Sir" or "Madam." However, as the century progressed, the old formailty began to break down and children began to address their parents as "Mama" and "Papa."
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