So since we’ve got a lot of folks interested in classic lit/great texts here in the Knitting Circle, please indulge my curiosity (in the tags or copy and respond/bold):
“have you no compassion for my poor nerves?” “you mistake me, my dear. i have the highest respect for them. they’ve been my constant companion for these 20 years” is the single funniest line in literature/film history. jane austen was a comedian first and foremost
’“Esteem him?” “Like him?” Use those insipid words again and I shall leave the room this instant.’
“But I thought it was right, Elinor,” said Marianne, “to be guided wholly by the opinion of other people. I thought our judgments were given us merely to be subservient to those of neighbours. This has always been your doctrine, I am sure.”
“No, Marianne, never. My doctrine has never aimed at the subjection of the understanding. All I have ever attempted to influence has been the behaviour. You must not confound my meaning. I am guilty, I confess, of having often wished you to treat our acquaintance in general with greater attention; but when have I advised you to adopt their sentiments or to conform to their judgment in serious matters?”
In case Zombies aren’t to your taste, you may find the cozy classic version of Pride and Prejudice a delightful felted regency treat! And yes, it’s as adorable as it looks!
In Regency England, where does a gentleman’s income come from?
It depends on the gentleman, but in general, the majority of his income would derive from interest on invested wealth: the family money would be invested in the government funds, which delivered varying amounts of interest ranging from 3% to 5%. This interest would be held separate from the capital, and the responsible gentleman would consider that account of collecting interest his income, only drawing from that rather than uninvesting capital; in the case of an entailed property, he might legally only be allowed to access the interest. A gentleman’s wife would typically bring her own capital sum to the marriage, invested similarly to bring a yearly income that was her husband’s property, and the marriage contract usually stipulated that some amount of invested capital and its interest would devolve back to her when she was widowed, and/or to her children when she died, which is how even a younger son could have a small income.
However, yes, rents played a part. Many farms around a country estate would be rented from the landowner, as would homes in the villages. These rents were typically monetary, and were collected by the landowner’s agent on a quarterly basis - March 25 (Lady Day), June 24 (Midsummer), September 29 (Michaelmas), and Christmas.
The clergy, on the other hand, got paid a little more creatively. While they might have one of those younger-son inheritances mentioned above - this was a common career path for sons who weren’t going to inherit the main estate, like Edmund Bertram or Henry Tilney - they were also sustained by the parish, which is why there was a lot of competition for lucrative livings in prosperous villages and towns. Basically, every parish had greater and lesser tithes: the former was 10% of all the wheat produced, and the latter was 10% of all the non-wheat crops and livestock. If the local living was a rectory, the appointed clergyman would get both of these, and if it were a vicarage, the vicar would get the lesser tithes while the landowner got the greater ones. Vicars and rectors also had a “glebe”, a piece of land to farm, which they could either use for their own produce or rent out to earn more money.
Jane Austen really said ‘I respect the “I can fix him” movement but that’s just not me. He’ll fix himself if knows what’s good for him’ and that’s why her works are still calling the shots today.
Meanwhile Emily Brönte just said “We can make each otherworse.”
Jane Austen really said ‘I respect the “I can fix him” movement but that’s just not me. He’ll fix himself if knows what’s good for him’ and that’s why her works are still calling the shots today.
Meanwhile Emily Brönte just said “We can make each otherworse.”
Realized I’ve now watched all of these, so I thought I’d make this if you want to watch an adaptation before the Netflix film comes out and aren’t sure where to start!
All controversial 2007 and Modern Persuasion opinions are my own.
You want everyone to be able to slot into a pride and prejudice au but no one can accurately fit into the niche that Mr Darcy and Elizabeth have cornered which is completely and uniquely deranged and sophisticated in a way no marvel character, nay, not even an over watch character, can dare compete with
miss piggy: you are sad and pathetic and small and far too green, both your status and wealth are an embarrassment, and your mother’s voice is shrill and painful… un. like. moi! *hair swish*
kermit: *stunned open mouth silence*
miss piggy: yet every day since i first saw you at the dance all i have been able to think about is how you are suitable for nothing in life but to be my bride! you are below me in every possible way but you simply must let me marry you!
kermit, flailing uncontrollably: THIS IS YOUR IDEA OF A MARRIAGE PROPOSAL?!?!
