Maybe, but not necessaarily
Posted by Caroline on January 26, 1998 at 11:22:55:
In response to red cloaks, written by Laura W on January 25, 1998 at 17:38:33
]
] ] Do you think this provided the inspiration for the film, when they end up at the Hayters' house? The red cloaks are terribly similar!
Actually, a red cloak was standard country wear...it's detailed in "Fabric of Society". Cloaks (as opposed to coats) fit everybody, so they could be more easily borrowed, handed down, layered with other garments. But because of that, they had a bit more of a country-bumpkin image. The "Making of P&P" gives this pic as one of the inspirations for Kitty and Lydia, and it would seem logical that it was the inspiration for the Musgrove girls , too.
The "Fabric of Society " book says that
Many foreign travellers noticed the charm and picturesque appearance of the red cloak, and the cleanliness of the countrywomen's linen.
It goes on to quote Samuel Bamford, a yorkshireman and social reformer, who talking about growing up in the late 1890's/1800s, mentions the standard garment to be
An ample crimson or scarlet cloak of finest wool, double milled, and of an intense dye that threw a glimmer wherever it moved, was put on, the hood being thrown over the head, cap, handkerchief and all and drawn closely and comfortably round the face or left open as the wearer chooses.
Now if you look closely at the Musgrove girl's cloaks, you'll notice that one is scarlet and the other crimson, which suggests that they had Bamford's quote in mind. Diana Sperling's cloaks are all the same colour. Not that any of this matters, of course, in the great scheme of things... ;-)
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