In the Regency period, card games brought young people together. Essentially, there are no surprises.” Card games reveal the rigidity and austerity of Austen’s society, where people could not express themselves fully for fear of being chastised by those around them. There’s a certain predictability, and everyone is expected to behave a certain way. Bates, “there were a set of rules everybody the rules, and everybody by them. Bates revealed the many ways card playing contributes to the broader impact of Austen’s works.įor one, Austen uses card games as analogies representing the formal society of the time. However, card games never make it onto the list, despite being present in her most famous works, from Pride and Prejudice to Mansfield Park to Sense and Sensibility. When asked to describe traits that make Jane Austen’s novels memorable, most people cite her riveting storylines, swoon-worthy romance, well-written heroines, and above all, the charming Mr. Remarkably, this opportunity to travel back in time was provided by an informative presentation about “The Significance of Card Playing in Jane Austen” by Dr. Surrounded by the warmth of the McGriff Alumni House and seated at tables adorned with delicate flowers, intricately designed teapots, elegant dinnerware, fruit tea, and decadent pastries consisting of crumpets and macarons, it was impossible not to feel like a character residing in one of the many drawing rooms in Austen’s novels. Voices reverberated around the room as students and community members battled for wealth and success in a game that grew more intense and invigorating as the night progressed. “That is the power of Jane Austen!” Ally Hollis gleefully announced when she realized that the ladies at our table were in the lead, while Parker Oliver lamented over losing yet another game of Speculation.

C 21 card game