Our Deportment, or the Manners, Conduct, and Dress of Refined Society
Passage Summary:
In "Our Deportment, or the Manners, Conduct, and Dress of Refined Society," John H. Young explains the rules of etiquette during the early 19th century. In this excerpt, Young explains the proper etiquette for wives and husbands.
When and How to Pair:
Introduce this text before students begin reading Jane Eyre to provide background into the culture and social norms of the 19th century. Pair “Our Deportment, or the Manners, Conduct, and Dress of Refined Society” with Jane Eyre and ask students to consider how these social expectations shaped interactions between men and women (especially husbands and wives), as well as how well the characters in Jane Eyre adhere to these norms.