Gentleman facts for kids

A gentleman was a special term used a long time ago, especially in British society. It described an educated man who was usually quite wealthy. In the past, society was often divided into different groups called social classes. People in these classes lived, learned, and worked in very different ways, often depending on their family's background.

Understanding what a gentleman was helps us make sense of many old stories, plays, and movies from before World War II. It also explains some interesting things, like why in sports such as cricket, there was a difference between amateur players (who didn't get paid) and professional players (who did). Sometimes, these two types of players even played on the same team! The same kind of difference also existed between Rugby Union and Rugby League. Similar ideas about social groups existed in many other countries before modern times. For example, you can see these differences in the characters in Tolstoy's famous book, War and Peace.

What Was a Gentleman?

In the past, being a gentleman meant more than just being rich or educated. It was about how you behaved and what was expected of you. A gentleman was usually someone who didn't have to work with his hands for a living. Instead, he might manage his family's land or investments.

Qualities of a Gentleman

People expected a gentleman to have certain qualities. He was supposed to be:

• Honest: Always truthful and fair in his dealings.
• Courteous: Polite and respectful to everyone, especially women.
• Brave: Showing courage when needed.
• Honorable: Living by a strong moral code and keeping his promises.
• Educated: Well-read and knowledgeable about many subjects.

These qualities were taught from a young age. Boys from wealthy families often went to special schools to learn these manners and skills.

Life and Role in Society

Gentlemen played an important role in society. They often held positions of power or influence. They might be involved in politics, serve as officers in the military, or work as lawyers or doctors.

Gentlemen and Sports

The idea of a gentleman also affected sports. For a long time, sports like cricket and rugby were seen as activities for gentlemen. They played for the love of the game, not for money. This is why the difference between "amateurs" (gentlemen who played for fun) and "professionals" (people who played for pay) was so important. Over time, these distinctions became less strict, but they show how social classes influenced even games.

Gentlemen in Stories

When you read old books or watch old movies, you'll often meet characters who are described as gentlemen. Understanding this term helps you understand their actions, their place in the story, and the society they lived in. For example, a gentleman in a story might be expected to defend someone's honor or act with great politeness, even in difficult situations.

Images for kids

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  The Complete English Gentleman (1630), by Richard Brathwait, shows the exemplary qualities of a gentleman.

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  The coat of arms of William Shakespeare.

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  Gentlemen of the Chapel Royal at the funeral procession of Elizabeth I of England.

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  Raja Ravi Varma, Painting of a Gentleman; India, 19th century.

See also

In Spanish: Gentilhombre para niños