Why thank you...
Posted by Erin on January 21, 1998 at 21:41:05:
In response to The nature/nurture debate, written by MB on January 19, 1998 at 19:18:11
...for providing another example of the balance ideal.
JA does seem to "support" the nature end a little bit more [snip]...admiring the "real" elegance (no false adornment) of Pemberley over the extravagance of Rosings, etc.
But doesn't she also convey a virtue of balance in the description of Pemberley, something along the lines that the grounds are neither too ornate nor too plain --they represent a certain balance of architectural & landscaping tastes? With this, I'm always reminded of the stark contrast between the English and French garden aesthetics, i.e., the English tendency toward wild, untamed beauty versus the highly regulated and planned French garden epitomized by Versailles. While both examples are extreme, Austen's illustration of Pemberley affects a happy medium.
Erin
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