Governess definitions
| Word backwards | ssenrevog |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | gov-er-ness |
| Plural | The plural of the word "governess" is "governesses". |
| Total letters | 9 |
| Vogais (2) | o,e |
| Consonants (5) | g,v,r,n,s |
Governesses have played a significant role in households throughout history, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A governess is a woman who is employed to teach and train children in a private household. With an emphasis on education and manners, governesses were responsible for the intellectual and moral development of their charges.
Victorian society placed a high value on education, especially for young girls. Governesses were hired by wealthy families to provide a formal education to their children, particularly daughters. While the role of a governess was considered higher than that of a maid or nanny, they still occupied a precarious position in the household hierarchy.
The Duties of a Governess
Typically, a governess was expected to teach a wide range of subjects, including reading, writing, arithmetic, languages, music, and art. In addition to academic instruction, they were also tasked with instilling proper behavior, etiquette, and social graces in their pupils. Governesses often worked long hours with little time off, embodying a combination of teacher, mentor, and companion to the children under their care.
Challenges Faced by Governesses
Despite their importance in the upbringing of children, governesses faced numerous challenges in their profession. They often occupied an ambiguous position in the household, neither entirely part of the family nor fully a servant. This lack of clear social status could lead to isolation and loneliness, making their role a challenging one.
The Decline of the Governess
The role of the governess began to decline in the early 20th century with the rise of formal education for girls and the changing social dynamics of the time. As more educational opportunities became available to women outside the home, the demand for governesses decreased. By the mid-20th century, the traditional position of the governess had largely disappeared.
Despite their eventual decline, governesses played a vital role in shaping the minds and manners of generations of children. Their dedication to education and upbringing left a lasting impact on the families they served, making them an indispensable part of social history.
Governess Examples
- The governess taught the children French and music.
- She hired a governess to care for her young daughter while she worked.
- The governess was strict but fair with the children in her care.
- In the novel Jane Eyre, Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall.
- The wealthy family hired a governess to give their children a proper education.
- The governess lived with the family and tutored the children in various subjects.
- The governess read bedtime stories to the children every night.
- The governess accompanied the children on outings to the park.
- She aspired to become a governess and work with children from different backgrounds.
- The governess was a kind and patient teacher to the children in her charge.