In the 1800s it was of utmost importance
to be educated and possess “good breeding”. Education provided intelligence of
mind, and “good breeding” provided refinement and social grace; and these in
turn provided the foundation for a woman’s eligibility for marriage (if she
wanted to marry a gentleman that is). However, it was her accomplishments that
made her prized by her acquaintances and helped her catch the eye of an
admiring gentleman. It was these that positioned her as the most valued choice for marriage because she had beauty, intelligence and talent.
A woman who possessed any, or a number of accomplishments was
intriguing and alluring. She could dance at the balls hosted by wealthy
neighbours; she could provide entertainment for guests after they retired to
the drawing room by playing music or singing; she could entertain her parents
by reading poetry; she could write a good letter and paint. She was like a nymph: mysterious in all her talents.
The accomplishments she could have possessed include any or all of those listed bellow.
- Playing the pianoforte
- Singing
- Dancing
- Writing poetry or a good letter
- Reading aloud
- Drawing
- Painting (usually with watercolour because this was seen as more feminine).
- Speaking a foreign language such as Italian.
These talents above are classical and elegant. Is it not interesting that today - though the
accomplishments we possess are not seen as a reflection of our eligibility but
rather as a prized talent for personal enjoyment - we still admire them
greatly? How often have we admired Joan’s ability to paint or wished we could
play the piano (or any other musical instrument) like Mary? We also admire
those who can speak a foreign language. And I myself have often wished I could
sing like those in the church choir. Strange, we are less likely to admire the
ability to play first team hockey or provincial squash. Could it be that classical talent retains its allure?
Accomplishment and refinement are still very much
appreciated today. A woman’s ability to paint, sing or play music still gives those
who know her great joy. She is viewed as one with exceptional talent,
especially if her talent is more developed than another’s. Maybe it doesn’t
make her more eligible but it certainly attracts attention... because really, we
have not much changed since the ladies and gentlemen of Jane Austen’s time.