Link: How Would Jane Austen Define an “Accomplished Woman” Today?
In Pride and Prejudice, Caroline Bingley waspishly states that to be considered accomplished, “a woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all of this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions.” Mr Darcy adds that she must also improve her mind via "extensive reading". This consideration of how that might translate to today speculates that being in a position to turn down romantic overtures from the wrong person is the twenty-first century version of a woman's accomplishments.
How Would Jane Austen Define an “Accomplished Woman” Today?
Jane Austen is having a moment. Another one. With the theatrical re-release of Joe Wright’s 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley, and the forthcoming eponymous Netflix…
Grace Aldridge
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