Georgiana’s Piano-Forte
Instruments
Mr. Darcy gives his younger sister Georgiana a new piano-forte as a gift. This demonstrates his caring attentions as her guardian and Georgiana’s accomplishment. She practices much of the day and is regarded for her skill. Georgiana’s accomplishment is subtly compared to both Elizabeth’s and Jane’s accomplishment by Lady Catherine and Miss Bingly.
Unknown
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
Brianna Sumption
Novel
Jane Fairfax’s Piano
Instruments
Jane Fairfax’s piano is an anonymous gift, leading all her acquaintance to speculate on the giver. Frank encourages Emma to believe that Mr. Dixon gave it to Jane, evidence of an improper attachment, but Frank was her actual benefactor. The piano demonstrates the pains that Frank goes through to keep his and Jane’s engagement a secret, even to the point of hurting her feelings and reputation. The gift also revels Frank’s impulsivity and lack of foresight, because Jane does not have the resources to maintain it. Throughout the novel, Jane’s accomplishment on the piano is compared to Emma’s, which wounds Emma’s pride.
Unknown
Emma, Jane Austen
Brianna Sumption
Novel
Marrianne Dashwood's Piano-Forte
Instruments
Marrianne brings her piano-forte from Norland to their new cottage. Fanny Dashwood is disappointed that such a fine instrument should go to a family with such inferior wealth, but Marrianne has a special connection to the instrument. At various times, she plays with great joy and sorrow, using music as another way of expressing her intense emotions and sensibilities. Those who truly appreciate her music, like Colonel Brandon, truly appreciate Marrianne’s spirit.
Unknown
Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen
Brianna Sumption
Novel
Musgroves's Grand Piano
Instrument
The Musgroves own a grand-piano, but their grown daughters are only passable players. The piano is scattered amongst Henrietta and Louisa’s other accomplishments, but they are much more oriented toward laughing and socializing than practicing music or their other talents. It is Anne who plays the Musgroves’s piano, and when contrasted with her supposed rivals for Captain Wentworth’s affections, Anne is the more accomplished and sophisticated, in music and mind.
Unknown
Persuasion, Jane Austen
Brianna Sumption
Novel