Order
Posted by Carl Goss on January 12, 1998 at 20:54:21:
In response to What did JA think of her society?, written by Patrick/mr (moved from the PP board) on January 11, 1998 at 11:30:18
Well, at least in one respect she certainly disliked the existing social order. That order that puts a premium on titles and land, instead of industry, merit and self reliance. The contrast between Sir Walter Elliot with his obsession with his title and his mirrors, versus
the literally self-made, down to earth Capt. Wentworth, for example. I think politically she would be some kind of reformer, neither Whig nor Tory as the terms were understood then. But tending towards the abolition of slavery, rotten borroughs, law and political reform, that sort of thing. Empowerment of the middle classes.
] The question is, was JA a child of the Enlightenment? Did she seek balance and order and rational behaviour for her characters? Or did she seek to overthrow the rational and balanced? In my own humble view, JA thought that order was a large part of the problem with society.
] Any takers?
] By the way, Happy New Year, all. Hope you all had a good holiday. Anybody else get the six-volume boxed set of P&P for Christmas?
] Cheers,
] Patrick
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