In pride and prejudice, Mr.
Darcy talks about what it means to be an accomplished woman.
The problem is that there were so little for women to do if they were of the aristocracy or of the gentry classes. They could not work. They may be able to garden. But even that was limited to an herb garden for medicinal reasons or to oversee the growing of flowers in their conservatories. Managing the house, servants and dinners took up some time. But that leaves a large part of the day open. Visiting the poor was another one of the duties of the upper class. But a monthly visit would suffice.
The problem is that there were so little for women to do if they were of the aristocracy or of the gentry classes. They could not work. They may be able to garden. But even that was limited to an herb garden for medicinal reasons or to oversee the growing of flowers in their conservatories. Managing the house, servants and dinners took up some time. But that leaves a large part of the day open. Visiting the poor was another one of the duties of the upper class. But a monthly visit would suffice.
So they worked on becoming accomplished. Accomplished in what you might ask.
Pretty
much accomplished meant being skillful in activities of no practical use. But they did have their benefits. To be able to speak fluently in
French or Italian was considered an accomplishment as was becoming a proficient
in music: singing, playing the piano or harp. Drawing or painting, needlework
or dancing were considered wonderful
accomplishments. And all of these activities did bring enjoyment to those who were able to excel at these arts. But for those who did not, it was a grudgingly done task that regardless of their interests, they were forced to pursue.
According to Regency England, I would not have been considered accomplished.
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