Recently, I was reading about a new trend amongst the younger generations : they have revived Jane Austen. Book clubs, tiktok videos and in-person events revolve around the work of this author. They call themselves Janeites and most of them have a huge crush on Mr.Darcy!
The phenomenon is similar to the frenzy around the Bridgerton franchise. Those who watched the series are now familiar with my title. The rest of you are missing out on fun TV!
Those two phenomenons made me wonder : what could we possibly find interesting in the 19th century? Women wore uncomfortable dresses and had few rights. Apple was only a fruit and if you wanted to find an information you had to go through a thick book called an encyclopedia.
But.
People had time on their hands. It could take weeks to travel from one point to the other. Letters may wander for months before finding their way across the ocean. The famous “Lady Whistledown” was the social media of its time and focusing only on the small ton’s news.
Distractions were few and far apart so humans interactions were a constant source of entertainment. The difference being that instead of watching from the comfort of your home you actually had to be there to witness it. Bals were then the equivalent of binge watching your favorite show!
While watching Bridgerton I also noticed two things : although I don’t agree with them, social codes were clear. You knew what was expected and how to behave. Would I want society to be like this nowadays? Hell no!! But I understand that there is something reassuring about codes. In this era of misinformation and contradictory stories on “how to….” in any sphere of our lives, I suppose knowing “what’s what” could be comforting for the younger generation.
The other aspect has to do with relationships, especially romantic ones. People took their time to court each other, to promenade and talk, to write long letters unveiling a part of their soul to loved ones. Since most religion frowned upon sexual intimacy before the wedding, desire had time to build up. We are far from swiping left on an app (or is it swiping right?) to let the other know you want a quick bang!
Gentle readers, if you’ve followed me for a while you know I live in reality. I would not like to go back in time and I don’t see it as perfect. But being an observer of humans I like to reflect on why we do the things we do.
My hypothesis for this emergence of Janeites and Bridgertonites is the following : we are craving for a slower pace. In a world where technology is evolving on a daily basis, I feel humans are tired and wish to breathe.
If you feel the same, this is my invitation. Write a letter to a loved one. Go promenade with your partner. Read a book on Saturday night. Learn crochet. Make your own bread. Practice taking things slower.
As Jane herself would say : “To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.”
Yours truly,
Lady Labrosse
I love this post. It makes sense to slow down, to truly notice and appreciate the world around us. Thank you for this kind reminder.