I get what all of you are saying, Janice, Suzanne and Harvey. And, with no tongue in cheek, I do see the value of being able to entertain with one's musical skills or to sketch silhouettes while sitting during eveining with company. I also recognize that men of quality often want intelligent women who can offer great conversation.
But, seriously, would being more accomplished have made the Bennet sisters more desirable--especially to a higher class of suitors? Darcy and Bingley took Jane and Elizabeth as were, so to speak, whatever their lacks in accomplishment.
Also, as for Mary not playing well, the novel tells us she was more technically proficient than Elizabeth. Darcy liked listening to Elizabeth because she was, well, Elizabeth. And she was also generally favored by everyone in her Meryton circle because she had a more pleasant attitude in presenting. People liked her more than they liked Mary, although Mary was more accomplished.
Read the novel to see what I mean because the movie versions emphasize only what a pathetic prig Mary was. You might miss the fact that she was, in Meryton, the most accomplished of the Bennet sisters. So, back to my original point, other than as a taunt for Caroline to throw at Elizabeth, what did accomplishments really matter? It's a rhetorical question because I am sure we all agree in essentials. I am not seeking a debate or disparaging the value of musical or artistic talent and skill.
But, seriously, would being more accomplished have made the Bennet sisters more desirable--especially to a higher class of suitors? Darcy and Bingley took Jane and Elizabeth as were, so to speak, whatever their lacks in accomplishment.
Also, as for Mary not playing well, the novel tells us she was more technically proficient than Elizabeth. Darcy liked listening to Elizabeth because she was, well, Elizabeth. And she was also generally favored by everyone in her Meryton circle because she had a more pleasant attitude in presenting. People liked her more than they liked Mary, although Mary was more accomplished.
Read the novel to see what I mean because the movie versions emphasize only what a pathetic prig Mary was. You might miss the fact that she was, in Meryton, the most accomplished of the Bennet sisters. So, back to my original point, other than as a taunt for Caroline to throw at Elizabeth, what did accomplishments really matter? It's a rhetorical question because I am sure we all agree in essentials. I am not seeking a debate or disparaging the value of musical or artistic talent and skill.