Dress as a Fine Art, with Suggestions on Children's Dress

Discussion questions for Dress as a Fine Art, with Suggestions on Children's Dress

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1. 1

   Fairholt and Merrifield argue for "dress as a fine art." What specific elements or aspects of clothing do they highlight to support this elevated status? Do you find their definition and elevation of dress convincing, and why?

2. 2

   The book dedicates a section to children's dress. What specific "suggestions" do the authors make for children's attire, and what underlying Victorian values—regarding health, morality, or social role—do these recommendations reveal?

3. 3

   Given the mid-19th century publication, what social norms, class distinctions, or gender roles of the era are implicitly or explicitly reinforced through the authors' discussions and recommendations regarding dress?