Nightlife+&+Leisure+time


 * What was the form of entertainment during the 19th century?**

In the 19th century, there were many different forms of entertainment available for Europeans. There were theaters, which held performances including hypnotists, poets, comedians, choirs, orchestras, etc. Also, there were circuses, and carnivals held mainly in parks. Going to listen to a lecture given by notables, scientists, preachers, and people who had ventured around other countries, was very popular in the 19th century, especially for the older more mature. People also enjoyed playing sports such as football, rugby, and tennis. There were many clubs that different social classes would join, such as art club, church groups and many more. Dancing and singing was very popular do both participate in, and watch.



**__What were the venues for their entertainment?__ Most entertainment in the 19th century took place theater halls or in public places such as parks. Circuses, dances, lectures, sports, etc. were all events held in parks and public places. The more formal performances such as choirs and orchestras were held in theater halls. ** Most ** entertainment that was popular in the 19th century is still popular, and still exists to this day, but there are some forms of entertainment that have become more mandatory rather than for joy, such as education. Education in the 19th century was a form of entertainment, and something people would do in their leisure time, but today most children are put through education to get somewhere afterwards, and to get a job, rather than doing it for the fun of learning. Dancing and singing are still very popular forms of entertainment to this day, along with sports. Forms of entertainment that have died down and have become less popular in a means of entertaining are cooking and going to lectures. Lectures and cooking have now become a part of the daily curriculum rather than a purpose to entertain others. ****__What kinds of entertainment of the 19th century are considered morally incorrect today?__ Animal fighting was considered a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century. People would go and watch all kinds of animals fight each other, especially chickens. Today, animal fighting is not only not something people would go and watch, but its also morally incorrect. Animal fighting today is illegal, whereas in the 19th century, people would go and watch animals fight each other. __How did increasing literacy rates affect the types of entertainment available in the 19th century?__ Increasing literacy rates affected the types of entertainment available in the 19th century because education, and reading became a very popular activity. People would listen to lectures and learn, and also read in their leisure time. Upper class was literate, therefore affecting the forms of entertainment in the 19th century vastly, adding a new and popular hobby and activity for people. __Was wealth an issue when it came to entertainment in the 19th century?__ Many people were poor in the 19th century, and could not afford to see most performances. Also, if they were poor, they did not have much leisure time, or time to go to a show because they had to be at home helping their families. There were some forms of entertainment, though, that did not cost any money, so anyone could participate, making wealth not that big of an issue. __How was education a popular form of entertainment?__ Education was a popular form of entertainment because the literate people would enjoy reading and learning in their spare time. Unlike today where there is a goal in learning and going to school, to get a job, in the 19th century, people enjoyed learning and reading with no apparent outcome. Since the upper class was literate, they would not only listen to lectures, but they would read, and learn each and every day for fun. ** Europeans enjoyed listening to scientists and authors, and even people who have traveled around different countries, give lectures. Visiting notables and preachers would also give lectures to anyone who came to listen. Listening to lectures became a very popular form of entertainment in the 19th century. There were more popular activities and entertainments better suited for children and for adults. Children and teenagers enjoyed going to the carnivals circuses and shows, and playing sports. Adults preferred listening to lectures and being a part of clubs such as church clubs. The more formal shows were appealing to adults including orchestras and choirs. The children would not cook in their leisure time, therefore cooking was also an adult ** activity**. __How did the entertainment differ from upper class to lower class?__ Only the upper/privileged class was literate with leisure time to read. The upper and lower classes weren't restricted to certain types of entertainment, but with the lower class illiterate, education was not an entertainment or a leisure time activity. ** **Primary Source:**  This is a brochure for a variety program. The venue for this variety program was at the Thatre Royal. The artwork on this program changes every night, and each program cost 1 penny. This program included two poem, and the acts for the night, including a song and dance act, and a vocal act.
 * __What forms of entertainment in the 19th century still exist today?__**
 * __Did Europeans consider lectures by scientist and authors entertainment?__**
 * __Did the forms of entertainment vary between age groups?__

Works Cited // 1. 19th-century developments //. Web. 26 Sept. 2009. . // 2. Circus //. Photograph. //Circus//. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . // 3. Entertainment in the 19th Century //. Web. 25 Sept. 2009. . // 4. 9th Century Art //. New York: New York: Abrams, 1984. Print. // 5. 19th century education //. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. . 6. Photograph. //McFarland's Varieties, Programme//. Web. 26 Sept. 2009. . // 7. Theatre and Drama in Europe and the U.S. During the Late 19th Century //. Web. 27 Sept. 2009. .