11 March 2010

Flowers Are Very Much Worn

"Flowers are very much worn, and fruit is still more the thing.
Elizabeth has a bunch of strawberries, and I have seen grapes, cherries, plums, and apricots. There are likewise almonds and raisins, French plums, and tamarinds at the grocers’, but I have never seen any of them in hats.
A plum or greengage would cost three shillings; cherries and grapes about five, I believe, but this is at some of the dearest shops. My aunt has told me of a very cheap one, near Walcot Church, to which I shall go in guest of something for you."
- Jane Austen, letter to Cassandra Austen, dated June 2 1799
"We have been to the cheap shop, and very cheap we found it, but there are only flowers made there, no fruit; and as I could get four or five very pretty sprigs of the former for the same money which would procure only one Orleans plum — in short, could get more for three or four shillings than I could have means of bringing home — I cannot decide on the fruit till I hear from you again. Besides, I cannot help thinking that it is more natural to have flowers grow out of the head than fruit. What do you think on that subject?"
- Jane Austen, letter to Cassandra Austen, dated June 11 1799

2 comments:

  1. Is this a wry reference to Lady Gaga's ridiculous headgear? :)

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  2. Anon: No, not at all. I was reading the letters and it struck me that there was always something absurd about fashion.
    I wouldn't like to wear plums on my head.

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