If we were to believe everything we watched in "Becoming Jane" (not necessarily the most historically accurate in regards to Jane's life, but I do feel like it gives Jane something of what she deserved) then it would seem that Jane was able to live a life of leisure, breaking men's hearts and writing letters and novels and doing other mundane life things.
This is not the life of a modern Austenite. We run all over the place striving to do more. And more. And still more!!! We have a job, often two, we are students, we are professionals, we are mothers, sisters, daughters (sons, husbands, brothers). We are exhausted, we run on empty and still we keep going - because in this society that is what is expected of us. But even more, we expect it of ourselves.
For example: I worked two jobs all summer, both where I was required to be on my feet. I also had an internship. This had been my plan all school year - I wanted to earn as much money as possible and that meant two jobs. But after 14 hour days, I was exhausted. What did I do? I finally got back to school. Now, I'm already working one job (less than 10 hours a week), I'm taking six classes, and I start a second job in about a week. All along I'll be posting here and writing other places.
I expect this level of activity of myself.
To Jane though, we probably look like chickens running around with our heads cut off (that is how we feel after all, isn't it?). I'm not saying that the life of a Regency era woman of Jane's status was easy - a Hollywood film probably isn't the best source after all. But if they had enough leisure time to knit things and do needlepoint and plan lavish meals and balls and such - lucky them!
P.S.
I realize this is a week behind. Moving in and starting classes took a little bit more out of me than I expected. Therefore, week eight's post will follow in the next couple of days.
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