Question

The upper classes in Victorian Britain preferred things produced by hand because of _______.
a. handmade products were very cheap
b. machine-made goods were costly
c. handmade products came to symbolise refinement and class
d. the use of such articles meant a low social status

Answer 1

Hint: During Victorian Britain (the rule of Queen Victoria for 1837-1901) the upper class was divided into three categories - the royals, people who had a royal connection, the middle-upper group which included important officers and lords, and the lower upper group which included wealthy men and business owners. All these classes enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle as compared to the working class.

Complete answer: The upper class in Victorian Britain preferred things produced by hand because they came to symbolise refinement and class.
a. The products could be customised according to their choices and they could get these made according to their wishes and likes.
b. The handmade products were better finished. they were carefully and meticulously designed and produced by skilled craftsmen. who took days to make the products to perfection.
c. The products were individually produced; therefore, they were unique, and the rich landowning or royal classes found them suitable to match their luxurious lifestyle.
d. It could also be seen as a status symbol in the Victorian era, and it was important to maintain your class or your status in the social hierarchy.

Note: As much as the high class victorian liked spending on luxurious handmade things, the other side of the table was a grim condition of child labour, child labour was rampant throughout the industrial revolution.