Jane Austen’s work often makes references to the accomplishments necessaryfor a young woman, most memorably in the dialogue between Darcy and Caroline Bingley. Although modern audiences may find the exchange somewhat humorous, a proper education was crucial to a middle or upper class young lady’s future. Since a woman’s only ‘proper’ aspiration was to marriage, her education focused on making her noticeable and desirable to potential husbands. Her accomplishments enabled her to set herself apart from women who were merely ‘notable’—those who could only manage a household but not cultivate elegant socializing.
Men of the middle and upper classes sought a wife who would be a social asset, in addition to a good dowry of course. A “social asset” would never be an intellectual threat to her husband, without ready opinions or advice to offer, but able to follow conversation, and perhaps more importantly keep a conversation steered toward good humor for all.
Certain subjects were considered necessary for becoming that desired social asset. The number of accomplishments a young lady acquired reflected the financial state of her family and the level of sacrifice they were willing to make to improve her chances of marrying well.These included:
Reading 
Not only reading was necessary for basic household management and correspondence, but it formed a foundation for intelligent conversation and for reading aloud for the entertainment of others.
Young ladies were not encouraged to read heavy subjects like philosophy and theology, but serious books were considered appropriate as they enabled interesting conversation. Similarly, scripture and sermons, such as Fordyce’s, aimed at young women, were appropriate reading for an accomplished lady.
Writing
In this context, writing referred to being able to create a letter with beautiful penmanship, correctly spelled and with excellent grammar. Young women would be schooled in the art of letter writing, with books dedicated to the topic and offering examples of good letters for her to emulate. She might even copy particularly pretty phrases out of these book for use in her own letters.
Arithmetic
No mistress could run a household or estate without a solid understanding of basic, but not advanced, math. She had to be able to keep accounts, balance a budget, calculate how much food and others supplies needed to be bought, track expenses and even forecast trends in the use of supplies.
Sciences and Social sciences
The natural sciences and social sciences were significant to young ladies only insofar as they facilitated the art of refined conversation. General awareness and rote memorization in areas of history, politics, geography, literature and philosophy were sufficient for ladies of quality.
A cursory knowledge of botany was common. Ladies who were more interested might also become learned in the use of plants as home remedies since the mistress of an estate was often the first one consulted in cases of injury and illness.
Languages
Despite the Napoleonic wars, a working knowledge of French was indispensable. Italian and German, for singing and understanding sung performances were also useful, but conversational fluency was not expected. Greek and Latin, beyond a handful of commonly used phrases were the purview of men.
Music
Though not expected to be virtuosos, quality young ladies were expected to be proficient musicians. Playing and singing were considered seductive to men since they displayed her body and bearing to potential suitors.
Only a few instruments were considered appropriate for young ladies. The harp was the most desirable instrument, but most had to make do with the piano. Some young ladies also learned the guitar.
Anything which needed to be blown into was a risk for causing a reddened face and heaving bosom, neither of which would be attractive, much less alluring, so they were out of the question. The violin, which required raised arms, was also inappropriate for the short bodied dresses of the era. Moreover, the violin required a higher level of expertise to perform and the potential for embarrassing oneself with a mediocre was greater.
Not only did girls need to be able to play and sing, but they had to be able to dance. The dance floor was the place for young ladies to interact with their suitors, away from the watchful eyes of their chaperones, and engage in somewhat private conversation and even touch, which was otherwise entirely forbidden.
Skilled and graceful partners were highly desirable. Girls who danced poorly could expect to spend a lot of time without a partner.
Artistic endeavors
Girls were encouraged to draw and paint and given training in it whenever possible. Filigree work, now known as quilling, and japanning, now called decoupage, were also encouraged as ways for ladies to display their artistic skills. Screens, small chests and trunks and various bric-a-brac were frequently the object of their efforts.
Needlework (plain and fancy)
Needlework was one of the most practical subjects for a young lady. Even ladies who could hire out their own sewing would often engage in making garments for charitable cases in their parish.
Needlework need not be a solitary endeavor. Often, women would bring along their work baskets during social calls and work as they visited. If someone arrived without something to work on, a hostess might offer something from her workbasket to her visitor. Of course, the elegance of the project would reflect upon the seamstress and fancy projects were more desirable for working in company than plain.
Boarding Schools
Girl’s education was a bit of a controversial subject. Girls from wealthy and cultured homes were often educated by their mothers since they could hire enough help with the household work to have time to invest in their daughter’s education. They might enlist the aid of additional teaching masters for training in music, languages and dance. Alternatively, at the age of ten, parents might consider sending their daughter to a boarding school, sometimes for as little as a year or two to ‘finish’ their accomplishments.
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Subjects taught at these schools included decidedly nonacademic subjects likesewing and fancy needlework, drawing, dancing, music. Polite literature, including mythology, writing, arithmetic, botany, history, geography, and French formed the balance of the more academic studies. Rudiments of stagecraft and acting might also be taught as training in elocution and grace of movement.
Armed with these skills, a young woman would be considered ready to enter society and engage in the all-important task of finding a suitable husband.
References
Baird, Rosemary. Mistress of the House, Great Ladies and Grand Houses. Phoenix (2003)
Collins, Irene . Jane Austen, The Parson’s Daughter Hambledon (1998)
Collins, Irene . Jane Austen & the Clergy The Hambledon Press (2002)
Davidoff, Leonore & Hall, Catherine. Family Fortunes: Men and Women of the English Middle Class 1780-1850 Routledge (2002)
Fullerton, Susannah. Jane Austen & Crime JASA Press (2004)
Harvey, A. D. Sex in Georgian England Phoenix Press (1994)
Ives, Susanna Educating Your Daughters – A Guide to English Boarding Schools in 1814, March, 10 2013.
Jones, Hazel. Jane Austen & Marriage Continuum Books (2009)
Lane, Maggie. Jane Austen’s World Carlton Books (2005)
Laudermilk, Sharon & Hamlin, Teresa L. The Regency Companion Garland Publishing (1989)
Le Faye, Deirdre. Jane Austen: The World of Her Novels Harry N. Abrams (2002)
Martin, Joanna. Wives and Daughters Hambledon Continuum (2004
Selwyn, David. Jane Austen & Leisure The Hambledon Press (1999)
Sullivan, Margaret C. The Jane Austen Handbook Quirk Books (2007)
Watkins, Susan. Jane Austen’s Town and Country Style Rizzoli (1990)
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Just goes to show me how ill equipped I would be in that era. The fully accomplished lady had quite a lot to learn. Here in the USA we rarely learn to speak any language other then English. Although I did study 3 other languages I speak none of them. Music: I know of so few of my friends and acquaintances who can both sing and play an instrument. Philosophy – never studied it and should just sit quietly if it came under discussion! I could balance a ledger. And I do attempt to keep up with the world news – horrific as it continues to be with wars and inhumanities to our fellow beings.
Thank you for this lesson on an accomplished young lady. Very edifying.
Author
I thought it was really interesting to take a glimpse on what they actually had to know to keep up. Thanks, Sheila.
I had to laugh at the “reddened faces and heaving bosom” remark relating to playing wind instruments! I know what you said is true, that playing these instruments wasn’t thought attractive or acceptable for ladies. But it struck me that dancing would have produced redder faces and even more heaving and bouncing of the bosoms, and yet it was not only acceptable but considered a sure step to romance! Go figure.
Author
That double standard is a little funny, isn’t it Shannon. Make it was okif everyone in the rom was doing it, but not ok if you were the only one.
Well I wouldn’t have fit in. While I studied music for many years and earned a B. of Music degree, my instruments would have made me a social pariah….violin AND oboe. Fast lane to spinsterhood or bluestocking lane for me.
Author
Too funny, Theresa! The ‘rules’ were something else, weren’t they?
I’d do pretty well in the reading, writing, and music categories but not so well in languages, drawing, dancing, and botany. I can do needlework but I can’t make clothes. I also had a good laugh about the types of instruments that ladies were not supposed to play — and why!
Author
I can hold my own pretty well in today’s world, but like you, I wouldn’t have cut he mustard in the Regency era! Kind of interesting, isn’t it?
Interesting!
The drawing/painting would definitely be a weakness for me – unless stick people suddenly became all the rage. I can read music but I only play the clarinet, so that’s a no-no. And singing? Oh no, definitely not. I didn’t know that playing the guitar was an acceptable feminine art! I’m glad.
The rest I think I’d do well in, though I have no experience with needlework.
Author
Regency stick figures? I love it! That’s just too good! Thanks, Monica!
Wow it seems so demanding to have to exhibit proficiency at so many different skills, but discouraging that it was mostly just for show — it seems like a young lady should be well-read, but not so much that she might become expert or truly interested in a weighty topic! Also it seemed like the music proficiency was just enough to perform, and that perhaps real study or performance of music was discouraged for women. What did the potential mates think about all this? Did those husbands actually care about needlepoint or painting ability?
Author
You’re right, Kathy, an accomplished woman should definitely not present a challenge to her husband’s expertise on any matter. She was not to be the expert on anything. As far as performing went, a proper young lady could do so in front of friends and family in a home, but public performances were strictly out of the question. Performers had dicey reputations as best.
As for the men, it of course depended on he individual. But in the upper levels of society, a wife was to be a social asset and the degree to which her accomplishments made her so mattered.
Thanks, Kathy!
Oh dear! The ONLY thing I am accomplished in is reading. My writing belongs on the bottom of the pile…food for the goats….I played the flute…forget it, Natural sciences….bugs are wonderful! (another no-no). I speak fluent German and no French—-oh, dear. I am fair at decoupage and needlepoint. A most definite spinster. No gentleman would give one look, let alone 2, especially since my first time on the dance floor I would fall over my own feet, forget my dance partner’s. I do ride sidesaddle…but, alas, not enough accomplishments.
Author
I am impressed that you ride sidesaddle! I am looking for somewhere around here where I could take a couple of lessons for research sake! Thanks, Deborah!
I took both sidesaddle and English lessons in college. I had been riding English for years when the opportunity for sidesaddle lessons was offered. I was jumping sidesaddle within months even though I wasn’t yet jumping English. I found it a much more comfortable ride than English and felt much more secure.
I’m impressed as well, Deborah! I learned to ride many years ago (forgot to put that in my list) but only what you call English style. I’ve had to give up in the last few years due to a back injury, sadly, after being told one more fall could result in serious problems. Western style was always something I wanted to try but there wasn’t anywhere near where I grew up here in the UK, where I could try it out. I’ve been told it’s a lot more comfortable then English style. Sidesaddle always looks so wrong and lopsided to me so I guess I’m missing something when you say it feels more secure. Good for you for trying it out!
I never liked western. I felt no leg communication with the horse. When I dismounted western the one time I rode I forgot about the horn and dismounted like I was on an English saddle and cracked 2 ribs. I have serious back problems that could result in paralysis if I dall the wrong way and so ride very seldom.
As for side saddle there is a double pmmwl so the right leg is held much higher so there is really no twist and you are centered. The crop replaces the right leg. I had no habit so I rode in breeches. My cousin took pictures so if you want to give me your email address, or friend me on facebook I can send you pics to shoe leg & body placement. The pics are old, but sufficient for the purpose.
Sorry…double pommel
Author
The double pommel, as I understand didn’t come into use until 1840, well after my books are set. Without the second pommel, the side saddle was relatively unstable and not good for challenging or fast riding, thus my heroines have not favored it.
Interestingly, I spotted a number of period movies (Mansfield Park for one) that have the wrong style (double versus single pommel) of side saddle shown. Apparently it is because the old style is considered so dangerous, they won’t have actresses using it in movie shoots.
Author
I have read other people say the same thing about modern sidesaddles.
As the pre 1840’s sidesaddle is so dangerous I wouldn’t have set foot in it. English astride would’ve been safer. Even though modern sidesaddle kept me from being thrown when English would’ve sent me flying without wings
Well…let’s see…I can read, write, love numbers and sing. My sewing, languages and instrument playing would keep me single. Let’s not forget that I CANNOT dance. Yep, I would surely have been the maiden aunt. LOL Amazing how many of us would not be considered accomplished. I’m also a great walker and adore my sister! =D Maybe that and my reading alone would have caught me a Mr. Darcy?
Author
Well, if it was good enough for Elizabeth Bennet… Thanks, Stephanie!
I barely passed HomeEc as the dress I made still gives me the shudders to even visualize it! I do sing and did play the clarinet but that would have made my face red and my bosom heaving! I love reading, history and speak some German. I suppose I would be ‘tolerable’ but definitely not ‘tempting’ especially if I had to wear a dress I made! Loved this post and love the paintings! Where did you find them?
Author
The paintings all came from wikimdia and are in the public domain, Carole. So glad you enjoyed them!
Thanks for sharing this useful information, Maria. By Regency standards, I’m not accomplished enough. Thank goodness I don’t live in that era because I don’t know where I’ll fit in.
Author
I have a feeling a lot of us feel that way! Thanks, Luthien.
Right, I need to make an itemised list here, I think!
Reading – yes, I LOVE reading, always have. I don’t have as much time to devote to it as I would wish, but from talking friends and colleagues, I manage a lot more than most. However, scripture and sermons would not be on the list as I’m borderline agnostic. Guess that would make me somewhat of a social pariah in those times.
Writing – yes, I CAN write, but my handwriting was once described by one of my teachers as looking like a spider had crawled over the page. Despite my best efforts, it hasn’t improved much over the years.
Arithmetic – I worship whoever invented the pocket calculator!
Sciences and social sciences – I am a science graduate (pharmacy) so I know something of chemistry, biology and botany, especially when it comes to using plants as remedies. Social sciences? No.
Languages – I studied French and German till the age of 16 but have forgotten most of it due to lack of use.
Music – the only instrument I learned was the clarinet, like Carole in Canada. Can’t remember getting a red face or heaving bosom from it though! I always wanted to learn the piano but I have tiny hands and can barely stretch an octave, so I guess I wouldn’t have been very good. As for singing, think of Mary Bennet’s “Sluuuumber dear maid” from P & P 1995 and you’ll have some idea of my skills. When it comes to dancing, I’d probably give Mr. Collins a run for his money. I’m one of the clumsiest people I know!
Art and needlework – I’m a non-starter in the drawing and painting stakes. Needlework is different and of all the “accomplishments” would probably be my best. I’m quite skilled at embroidery, cross-stitching and needle-point and can make clothing if pushed. What it would look like without the assistance of a sewing machine, though, is anyone’s guess.
So, reading, science and needlework. Guess that wouldn’t put me anywhere in Caroline Bingley’s estimation, though Darcy might admire the improvement of my mind by the amount of reading I do manage to fit in.
Author
LOL! I love it. I do think Darcy would be impressed by you reading..as I am. Now I know who to go to with questions about medicinal plants! Yeah! Thanks, Angi!