Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA)

April 2016

The April 2016 meeting brought out almost all the members of our regional chapter with seating spilling into the foyer. Many of our members enjoy reading novels by other authors of the genre, Charlotte Bronte being one of those admired.  As it was the 200th anniversary of her birth Murray Alexander offered a heartfelt toast in her honour.

The evening was highlighted by a presentation by Siobhan Burland-Ross featuring what she believes are misinterpretations of elements of the Jane Austen novels.  Siobhan offered a chronological disection of theories ranging from whether or not Elizabeth Bennet married Mister D'Arcy for his money (she did not!!) to Frank Churchill's preposterous assertion that he was going away for a bit to get his hair cut (meanwhile in reality purchasing a piano for Jane which was purported to be from an anonymous suitor).  Each theory and rebuttal from Siobhan triggered an energetic discussion in which those present aired their opinions.  Further, was Henry Tilney gay as some journals and blogs have suggested because he only fell for Catherine because she liked him.  (No, no, no!!)

 Along the way we learned a bit about an eclectic assortment of side issues.  For example, should Frank Churchill be considered arrogant by Emma, Mr. Knightly and the group  because he said he was travelling a long distance to get a haircut? After all it was the style of gentlemen in those days to wear wigs.  But wait...we learn that this was a transition period in men's hair styles.  Although older, wealthy men may well have continued wearing many of the wealthy and particularly younger men began having their natural hair styled and cut.  The government imposed a 1 guinea tax on the powder for wigs.  So it wasn't such a preposterous excuse after all.  This dicussion led us to ponder what powder could possibly be used for the wigs.  (Post-meeting research reveals they used a variety of powders including corn and wheat flour and finely milled and sieved starch.)

The evening ended with some discussion about topics for future meetings several themes having arisen from Siobhan's presentation.

We have a special guest (Sabrina Mark) for our June 23rd meeting. She specializes in clothing from the Victorian era and in fact makes such garments herself.  She will be bringing with her a clothed dressmaker's dummy which she will disrobe piece by piece explaining in detail about fabrics and sewing methods used along with any special functions they may have. 

Don't forget about the twonie book sale.  Bring a couple of books you've loved reading and donate them to this fundraiser. 

We will then break for the summer but are looking forward to our first meeting of the fall in October.  Ruby Donner will be presenting on health in Regency/Georgian times. 

P.S.  As an addition to our recognition of Charlotte Bronte's bi-centenary one of our members offers the following alert.

                                     (Charlotte Bronte Alert)