“. . . the piano-forte was opened . . .” (58)

The piano-forte is a precursor to the modern-day piano and was at the height of its popularity during Austen’s time. It was primarily am instrument played by women and the better a woman’s skill at the piano-forte, the more “accomplished” she was perceived as. Elizabeth is not a skilled musician, which results in her not being seen to be as desirable as other women because she seems to be unsuccessful. This is significant because Elizabeth is skilled at things that most women would never attempt – such as intelligent, opinionated conversation – but yet in the patriarchal society she lives in, she is looked down on for her lack of prowess in a traditional woman’s task.

Source:

"History of the Piano - Old Antique Pianos." Piano Tuners, Piano Teachers, History Music British Parts Entertainers Tuning on the UK Piano Page. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.uk piano.org/history/history.html.

Picture Credits:

Pianoforte. Digital image. Eventi Trentino. Web. 14 Mar. 2010. http://www.eventitrentino.it/UploadImgs/258_Foto_209_20__20Pianoforte_20Cristofori_20del_20172 _20del_20Museo_20S_20M_20Roma.jpg.