Mannerly Mondays: Girls in the 19th Century

When presenting yourself as a young lady in the 19th century, you must be very aware of your every action and situation. For example, when conversing with mixed company, a polite young lady must never speak loudly or use vulgarities. This is especially true in the company of gentlemen who would be offended by her crudeness and unladylike behavior. Another big no no in conversing in public is there should be no talk of personal family matters outside of ones own home. Conversation should not go into deep matters but should stay light by talking about subjects such as the weather and ones health.

The attire of a young lady in the 19th century was extremely important due to the wealth of her family and her potential to acquire a husband. According to writer Pauline Weston Thomas, girls often wore long, heavy layers of skirts and underclothes, which made their movements very restricted. Despite her limitations, a polite girl would not lift the hem of her dress too far past her ankle, nor would she lift both sides of the skirt at the same time. If the ankle were to show, it would seem that the girl was ill-mannered and indelicate.

Both conversing in public and the attire of a young lady was crucial in gaining status as an ideal wife and talented well breed girl.  This balance of status and public opinion is something that is a rather an important issue for Emma and her friends, but you have to ask "how does it compare to today?"   

For more from Mrs. Mannerly, check out performance dates for Mrs. Mannerly and keep checking the blog every Monday. 

Sources: Social Etiquette for Girls in the 19^th Century

         By Brittany Luongo