Story: Manners and social behaviour

Victorian manners

Victorian manners

This illustration for a 19th-century newspaper story portrays the formal manners that were expected in polite society, even between courting couples. Alfred raises his hat when addressing Mary (the object of his affections) and she remains seated while greeting him with a handshake.

Using this item

Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S13-514 (Bruce Herald, 3 August 1897, p. 4)

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Manners and social behaviour - Defining manners', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/39829/victorian-manners (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 Sep 2013