“Not that I am an advocate for the prevailing fashion of acquiring a perfect knowledge in all the languages arts and sciences; it is throwing time away; to be mistress of French, Italian, German, music, singing, drawing etc., will gain a woman some applause, buy will not add one lover to her list.”
Lady Susan remarking on the education she would like for her much-unloved daughter Frederica
Lady Susan, letter 7
The Jane Austen Guide to Life: Thoughtful Lessons for the Modern Woman (May, 2012)
A Walk with Jane Austen: A Journey into Adventure, Love, and Faith
Well, I don’t know what our darling Caroline Bingley would say about it! Let’s remember her thoughts about accomplishments:
“no one can be really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but half-deserved.”
Great quote Luciana — thanks! I think Lady Susan and Caroline Bingley would be at opposite ends of the spectrum.