Character Corner
Welcome to Character Corner. Here you can meet characters from my current or upcoming releases and learn more about what makes them tick. Please note the links to additional vignettes in the sidebar.
Victorian Parlor Games from Head in the Clouds
Some things never change—like the desire to relax and unwind at the end of a long day. I tend to enjoy sitting in my recliner with my feet up, usually watching television, although I always have a book or my latest cross-stitch project within reach, too. Take away the television, the electric lights, the recliner, and—oh, yes—the comfy, loose-fitting clothing, and my leisure isn't all that different from my Victorian counterparts. A quiet evening in the 1800's would often include reading by lamplight or working on a piece of needlework. Yet if one had guests, a more entertaining diversion might be in order.
 Parlor games were incredibly popular during the Victorian era. And when Adelaide and Isabella plan a special party for the Westcott household in Head in the Clouds, these games become the highlight of the celebration. Since Isabella is mute, they select games easily adapted to her capabilities, focusing on Charades and Blindman's Bluff. But there are many wonderful games to choose from that you might consider employing the next time you have a gathering over for a dinner party. Here are just a few:
- Shadows – A white tablecloth is suspended and the chosen party guest must sit on a stool facing the cloth. One by one, the remaining guests pass by on the other side, casting their shadow upon the cloth. They may disguise themselves however they wish—stooping, contorting their limbs at strange angles, pulling up their coat collar, etc. If their identity is correctly guessed they must either pay a forfeit or replace the guesser.
- Lookabout – The host selects a small knick-knack and gives everyone a chance to study it. Then all the guests leave the room while the host hides it. When the guests are called back into the room, they mill about in a visual hunt for the object, and when they spy it, they sit down. The last person standing must pay a forfeit.
- The Dumb Orator – One person selects a work to recite and does so while showing no emotion upon his face and making no gesture. Another person stands to the side making no sound but acting out the emotions and actions of the piece with great exaggeration. The purpose is to create as much laughter from the audience as possible.
-
 Blindman's Bluff – One person is blindfolded while the rest of the guests scatter about the room. The one blindfolded must then attempt to catch hold of someone and guess their identity. If the guess is incorrect, the captured person is freed. If correct, the blindfold passes to that player and the game begins again. One variation on this game was called The Queen of Sheba. In this version, the prettiest girl in the company sits on a chair while the blindfolded player makes his way to her in order to steal a kiss. As he nears, the girl is secretly replaced by an elderly matron.
For more Victorian parlor games, visit here: http://www.victoriaspast.com/ParlorGames/parlor_games.htm |
