Question

What was a status symbol in the American late 19th-century middle-class home?

a) Grand piano
b) Victrola
c) Oil painting
d) Crystal chandelier

Answer 1

In the late 19th century, a grand piano was a significant status symbol in the American middle-class home, indicating cultural refinement and affluence.

Step-by-step explanation:

During the American late 19th century, the middle-class home featured various status symbols to demonstrate wealth and good taste. Among the options listed, the grand piano stands out as a significant status symbol of the time. Playing the piano was seen as a desirable skill for young women in middle-class families, representing both cultural refinement and affluence. While oil paintings and crystal chandeliers also contributed to the opulence of a home, the piano was a sizeable and functional piece that indicated a family's commitment to the arts and education. The Victrola, while an interesting piece of technology, became popular later and is more associated with the early 20th century.