Manners as Martial Arts: Jujitsu in the Drawing Room

Catherine Morland travels with John Thorpe, against her will. C.E. Brock

http://www.mollands.net/etexts/images/naillus/nabrockwc13.jpg

"I am glad of it; I will drive you out in mine every day."

"Thank you," said Catherine, in some distress, from a doubt of the propriety of accepting such an offer. 

Northanger Abbey Ch. 7.

Propriety was constantly on the minds of Jane Austen’s characters. Doing what was right was important in the acts of everyday life. In the quote at the beginning of this article Catherine Morland is worried about the propriety of riding alone in a carriage with John Thorpe. Of course, doing almost anything with John Thorpe would be inappropriate, but Catherine has not yet learned to navigate the shoal waters of propriety.

Later, Catherine goes with her brother and the Thorpes to visit Blaize castle, inadvertently standing up the Tilneys. On seeing the Tilneys, she realizes her blunder and begs Thorpe to stop, to no avail, as depicted by C. E. Brock. 

Aggrieved at the possible slight to the Tilneys, she attempts unsuccessfully to visit Miss Tilney.

“At the bottom of the street, however, she looked back again, and then, not at a window, but issuing from the door, she saw Miss Tilney herself. She was followed by a gentleman, whom Catherine believed to be her father, and they turned up towards Edgar's-buildings. Catherine, in deep mortification, proceeded on her way. She could almost be angry herself at such angry incivility; but she checked the resentful sensation; she remembered her own ignorance. She knew not how such an offence as hers might be classed by the laws of worldly politeness, to what a degree of unforgivingness it might with propriety lead, nor to what rigours of rudeness in return it might justly make her amenable.” Northanger Abbey, Ch. 12.

Somerset Buildings in Milsom Street, Bath. James Gandon, 18th century

http://art.bathnes.gov.uk/ow23/collections/images/2000.84-3193.JPG

Ignorance of the laws of etiquette could have serious consequences. Catherine has much to learn.

However, a thorough understanding of those same laws could be used to assert social standing or define relationships. Emma desperately hopes for an invitation from the Coles so she can have the opportunity of turning down the invitation in order to teach them a lesson.

“The Coles were very respectable in their way, but they ought to be taught that it was not for them to arrange the terms on which the superior families would visit them. This lesson, she very much feared, they would receive only from herself; she had little hope of Mr. Knightley, none of Mr. Weston.” Emma, Ch. 25

Caroline Bingley uses the occasion of a proper call to define her relationship (or lack thereof) with Jane Bennet. Jane reports on the visit in a letter to Elizabeth.

“Caroline did not return my visit till yesterday; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the mean time. When she did come, it was very evident that she had no pleasure in it; she made a slight, formal, apology for not calling before, said not a word of wishing to see me again, and was in every respect so altered a creature, that when she went away I was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaintance no longer.” Pride and Prejudice, Ch. 26

So manners can be a trap for the unwary or a weapon in the hands of the skilled. At our next meeting of JASNA CWNY, Lynn Festa, JASNA’s Traveling Lecturer for the East, will tell us about the use of manners for both offense and defense. Her talk is titled Manners as Martial Art in Austen: Jujitsu in the Drawing Room. Here is the abstract:

“This paper examines manners as offensive weapon and as defensive shield, as smooth art and as hard labor, in Austen’s novels.  Austen was, of course, aware of the conduct book strictures that delineated ideal female comportment, and her novels show her characters both using and flouting the rules of propriety.  What is being attacked, and what is being defended, in these violations of decorum—in those moments where manners falter or are allowed to drop, in which Austen, her narrator, or her characters are not inadvertently but deliberately rude?”

Lynn Festa is associate professor of English at Rutgers University.  She is the author of Sentimental Figures of Empire in Eighteenth-Century Britain and France.  In addition to being the 2014 JASNA North American Scholar, Lynn has written on a wide range of topics including eighteenth-century wig-wearing, cosmetics as a sign of national difference, tales recounted by anthropomorphized things, the slave trade, the history of human rights, and Jane Austen.

Please join us for what promises to be a fascinating look at the use and abuse of manners in Jane Austen’s works. Be sure to review your conduct books before arriving.

See you there.

Event: JASNA CWNY February Meeting

Topic: Manners as Martial Arts in Austen: Jujitsu in the Drawing Room

             A talk by Lynn Festa, JASNA traveling lecturer for the East

When: Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 1 pm

Where: Barnes and Noble, Community Room, Pittsford NY

Jane Austen Tech Geek

Farleigh Hungerford Castle 1730. A ruin near Bath.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farleigh_Hungerford_Castle

"As they drew near the end of their journey, her impatience for a sight of the abbey...returned in full force, and every bend in the road was expected with solemn awe to afford a glimpse of its massy walls of grey stone, rising amidst a grove of ancient oaks, with the last beams of the sun playing in beautiful splendour on its high Gothic windows." Northanger Abbey chapter 20.

Northanger Abbey is Jane Austen's masterpiece exploring the real versus the imaginary. Catherine Morland is the heroine of Northanger Abbey, although "No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be a heroine." As she grows older her passion is for Gothic novels.

When visiting Bath with her friends Mr. and Mrs, Allen she meets Henry Tilney who "seemed to be about four or five and twenty, was rather tall, had a pleasing countenance, a very intelligent and lively eye, and, if not quite handsome, was rather near it." Eventually, Catherine receives an invitation to visit the Tilney home at Northanger Abbey. Of course, the opportunity to visit an ancient abbey brings out the inner Gothic in Catherine and she expects old ramparts, turrets, and dark drafty corridors.

On the way to the abbey, Henry fuels her Gothic interests. "How fearfully will you examine the furniture of your apartment! -- And what will you discern?-- not tables, toilettes, wardrobes, or drawers, but on one side perhaps the remains of a broken lute, on the other, a ponderous chest which no efforts can open, and over the fire-place the portrait of some handsome warrior, whose features will so incomprehensibly strike you, that you will not be able to withdraw your eyes from it."

Catherine in primed for a true Gothic adventure. However, when she arrives at the abbey she finds it is actually furnished with all the modern comforts. "An abbey!--yes, it was delightful to be really in an abbey!--but she doubted, as she looked round the room, whether anything within her observation would have given her the consciousness. The furniture was in all the profusion and elegance of modern taste. The fireplace, where she had expected the ample width and ponderous carving of former times, was contracted to a Rumford, with slabs of plain though handsome marble, and ornaments over it of the prettiest English china."

I always enjoy the mention of the Rumford as it was designed by one of the cadre of scientists and engineers who, in the 17th and 18th centuries, began creating our modern world.

But what is a Rumford? The Rumford was a new design for a fireplace. It was originally proposed by Benjamin Thompson, Count Rumford.

Benjamin Thompson 1753-1814

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Thompson

Benjamin Thompson was born in 1753 in Woburn, Massachusetts. He met and married a wealthy widow named Sarah Rolfe and through her acquired a property called Rumford in Concord, New Hampshire.

Thompson was a Tory and was forced to abandon his property and his wife and flee to England during the American Revolution. After the war he moved to Germany, where he became an aide to the Prince Elector Charles Theodore. Working for Prince Charles he created the Englischer Garten in Munich in 1789. For his efforts, Charles made him a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and he took the name Rumford after his property in New Hampshire.

The beer garden "Am chinesischen Turm" in the Englischer Garten Munich

"Englischer garten gfo2 by Fritz Geller-Grimm

Thompson was a scientist and engineer. His most important contribution to science was his recognition that heat was a result of the motion of atoms and not a liquid, as was commonly believed. As an engineer, he developed the Rumford fireplace that appears in Northanger Abbey to Catherine's disappointment. Rumford's design angled the walls of the fireplace and narrowed the neck of the chimney in order to produce a better updraft. This led to more efficient burning and much less smoke in the room.

Thompson published his ideas in 1796, and his fireplace was an immediate success in London. Very soon after, fashionable drawing rooms became much less smoky.

Jane Austen worked on Northanger Abbey (called Susan at the time) between 1798 and 1799, and she incorporated the latest technology to let readers know just much the real Northanger Abbey differed from Catherine's vision. This is just the first of several rude awakenings Catherine will receive during her visit.

As a final note, you can still buy a Rumford fireplace today. They generally produce less emissions then regular wood burning fireplaces. Sitting beside a modern Rumford might be a the best way to read a Gothic novel, or a Jane Austen satire of a Gothic novel.

Emma Leads

A View of Box Hill, Surrey, 1733. George Lambert - Tate Britain

"Emma Woodhouse, handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition, seemed to unite some of the best blessings of existence; and had lived nearly twenty-one years in the world with very little to distress or vex her." Emma chapter 1

Emma is two hundred years old this year. It was actually published on December 23, 1815, but the publisher put 1816 on the title page, thus giving us an entire year to celebrate what many consider to be Jane Austen’s finest novel.

JASNA CWNY will kick off this celebration year with a discussion of Emma led by our own Celia Easton.  How shall we begin to approach Emma? “With one thing very clever, … or two things moderately clever--or three things very dull indeed…” ? Well, there certainly will not be anything dull about our discussion. We can expect many things very clever.

First of all there is Emma herself. Jane Austen is said to have created a character that only she could love. Emma is a difficult character. She is a snob. She desires an invitation from the Coles so that she can turn it down. She is manipulative in trying to arrange Harriet’s life. She is conceited, and always looking for a compliment.

But Emma has a conscience and does sometimes see her own shortcomings.

“Since her last conversation with Mrs. Weston and Mr. Knightley, she was more conscience-stricken about Jane Fairfax than she had often been.--Mr. Knightley's words dwelt with her. He had said that Jane Fairfax received attentions from Mrs. Elton which nobody else paid her.

"This is very true," said she, "at least as far as relates to me, which was all that was meant--and it is very shameful.--Of the same age--and always knowing her--I ought to have been more her friend.--She will never like me now. I have neglected her too long. But I will shew her greater attention than I have done."” Emma chapter 34.

It’s interesting that the other snobbish, manipulative, and conceited person in the novel is Mrs. Elton. Perhaps Mrs. E can be seen as a more vulgar version of Emma. Emma has many reasons to dislike Mrs. Elton, but perhaps the real reason is that she can see a more raw version of herself. The difference, of course, is that Emma has her revelation on Box Hill. With the help of Mr. Knightley, she learns to recognize herself. If Pride and Prejudice is story of how Elizabeth and Darcy learn to understand each other’s character, Emma is a story about learning to recognize one’s own character.

There is a great deal of contrast between the turmoil Emma experiences on Box Hill and the tranquility of the view.

"Boxhill, Surrey through trees" by Flickr user lostajy - http://flickr.com/photos/ajy/164894960/. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Box_Hill,_Surrey

Having mentioned Mrs. Elton, I can't help including one of my favorite Jane Austen zingers. At the end of Volume II Mr. Knightley and Emma are discussing who is busiest. Mr. Knightley is enjoying the conversation and trying not to show it.

"Mr. Knightley seemed to be trying not to smile; and succeeded without difficulty, upon Mrs. Elton's beginning to talk to him." Emma chapter 36.

We could spend the entire hour discussing our favorite quotes. However, there is so much more. What should we understand of Mr. Woodhouse? He is one of the most respected but most difficult characters in Highbury. The populace of Highbury would starve if he had his way. (see here for an interesting post about diet in Jane Austen's time) And what about Frank Churchill? Is he hero or villain, or something in between? With Jane Austen it is often not clear.

We could easily spend winter, spring and summer reading and discussing Emma, but we shall at least be assured of a lively and engaging hour of discussion at our next meeting.

See you there.

Event: JASNA CWNY January Meeting

When: Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1 pm

Where: Barnes and Noble, Community Room, Pittsford, NY

On Stage

"I have been to the theatre, and secured a box for to-morrow night. ... I have engaged Captain Wentworth. Anne will not be sorry to join us, I am sure. We all like a play." Persuasion chapter 22

Yes, we all like a play, especially when it is an adaptation of one of Jane Austen's novels. Jane Austen loved going to plays, especially when she could sit in a private box. "I talked to Henry at the play last night. We were in a private box -- Mr. Spencer's -- which made it much more pleasant..." 

Of course, the production of a play is central to the story in Mansfield Park, where Jane Austen uses the appropriateness of the play and its production in the absence of Sir Thomas to demonstrate the moral differences between Fanny and, well, everyone else at Mansfield Park. Some of the story's most dramatic moments occur on the stage, as when Sir Thomas returns home after a long absence and finds his private study turned into a stage with an actor in full rant:

"He stepped to the door, rejoicing at that moment in having the means of immediate communication, and, opening it, found himself on the stage of a theatre, and opposed to a ranting young man, who appeared likely to knock him down backwards. At the very moment of Yates perceiving Sir Thomas, and giving perhaps the very best start he had ever given in the whole course of his rehearsals, Tom Bertram entered at the other end of the room; and never had he found greater difficulty in keeping his countenance. His father's looks of solemnity and amazement on this his first appearance on any stage, and the gradual metamorphosis of the impassioned Baron Wildenheim into the well-bred and easy Mr. Yates, making his bow and apology to Sir Thomas Bertram, was such an exhibition, such a piece of true acting, as he would not have lost upon any account. It would be the last--in all probability--the last scene on that stage; but he was sure there could not be a finer. The house would close with the greatest eclat." Mansfield Park chapter 19.

"A ranting young man..."

C. E. Brock

http://www.mollands.net/etexts/images/mpillus/mpbrockwc11.jpg

Given the importance of plays to Jane Austen and the role played by the theater in her stories, we are delighted that one of her novels is coming to the stage in our area. Students at Our Lady of Mercy High School will be presenting Jon Jory's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice on December 17, 18, and 19. Come and watch Elizabeth and Darcy misunderstand and then rediscover each other's character while Mr. Wickham does all he can to muddy the waters.

The performance should be an excellent opportunity to experience one of Jane Austen's best loved stories up close. With a talented cast and crew, Pride and Prejudice on Mercy's stage should be one of the best events of the season. Event details are below:

Event: Pride and Prejudice performed on stage by students at Our Lady of Mercy High School
When: December 17, 18, 19 7:30 pm
Where: Our Lady of Mercy Performing Arts Center, 1437 Blossom Road, Rochester NY
Tickets: At the door $8 general admission, $5 students/seniors
Info: http://www.mercyhs.com/about-mercy/news/1365-mercy-presents-pride-prejudice

Tea Time

Tea at Jane Austen 1812 weekend, Genesee Country Village (photo: Lisa Brown)

“We drank tea again yesterday with the Tilsons, and met the Smiths. I find all these little parties very pleasant.” 

Jane Austen Letters

http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/brablt10.html  

When we think of the Regency, many images come to mind. Some think of the Royal Navy and imagine Nelson at Trafalgar. Others love fashion and picture Regency ladies and gentlemen in their finest attire. Still others are excited by the dance, music and art of the period. And everyone likes to imagine a nice cup of tea on a cold winter’s day.

Well, the Royal Navy has sailed, but the other aspects of the Regency can all be experienced at the Penfield Community Center this weekend where a Jane Austen Holiday Tea will be held.

More below the fold......

Happy Birthday Jane

"Edward Austen Presentation" 

by Unknown - Hill, Constance. Jane Austen: Her Homes & Her Friends. Great Britain: Richard Clay and Sons, Ltd., 1901.. Licensed under Public Domain via Commons

"He is the best landlord, and the best master," said she, "that ever lived. Not like the wild young men now-a-days, who think of nothing but themselves. There is not one of his tenants or servants but what will give him a good name. Some people call him proud; but I am sure I never saw any thing of it. To my fancy, it is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.” Pride and Prejudice, chapter 43

So what was it really like to be a member of the landed gentry in the Regency? Jane Austen gives us examples of several characters who are landowners. Some are better than others. Mr. Rushworth can’t wait to tear down Sotherton. John Knightly takes interest in all aspects of estate management from the “plan of a drain” to the “destination of every acre of wheat , turnips, or spring corn.” (Emma chapter 12).

Jane Austen’s brother Edward was her closest connection to the landed gentry. Edward was adopted by Thomas and Catherine Knight who had no children. Eventually, Edward inherited the Knight estates and took the Knight name. 

The Knight estate consisted of properties primarily in Hampshire, Kent and London. Jane Austen visited Edward’s primary residence Godmersham in Kent often and lived in a cottage in Chawton owned by Edward.

Godmersham, Edward Knight's primary residence

John Preston Neale [Public domain or No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons

As a large landowner, Edward would have provided a clear lens for Jane Austen’s view of the characters who appear in her novels. So how did Edward Knight live? How did he manage his estates? What were his relationships with all the people who lived and worked on his property?

Fortunately we may have some answers. JASNA Central and Western NY is delighted to welcome Linda Slothouber to our Jane Austen Birthday Luncheon. Linda is a life Member and elected Board Member of JASNA. She comes to us from the Washington DC Metropolitan Region where she is co-coordinator of the 2016 AGM. She has had a career in management and technology consulting and has written on companies that were important in Jane Austen’s time such as Wedgwood and the cotton mills of Richard Arkwright. In 2013 she participated in the JASNA International Visitor Program, doing research on the management of Edward Knight's estate in Chawton.

As a result of her research, Linda has published a book detailing the operation of the estate. Jane Austen, Edward Knight, and Chawton: Commerce and Community is a delightful book that gives Jane Austen fans a close look at life on a country estate. If you haven’t already, please take a look at the review that appeared on your JANSNA CWNY blog here . 

Linda’s book is rich in the details of estate management, such as revenues and expenses, but it also delves into the character of Edward Knight and his relationships with many people in the community of Chawton. Linda will tell us much more, but for the moment imagine Darcy or Knightley rather than Rushworth or Crawford.

Please join us for this event. As always, there will be great food, great company, and a great speaker. The details are given below. Note that we ask you to pre-register by December 5. The registration form can be found at the link below.

Hope to see you there.

Event: JASNA CWNY Jane Austen Birthday Luncheon

When: Saturday December 12, 10:30 am.

Where: Chatterbox Club, 25 Goodman St. N, Rochester NY 14607

Registration: Registration Form here