Gomes Rafaël

Licence 3 - Philosophie
SIAL - Anglais C1

ASSIGNMENT 3
Unit 4 - What was clothing like in the 18th century ?

4) Elizabeth Carter (1717-1806), poet, translator and linguist, is not alluded to in this
Unit : please find more about her, and why she was called 'a blue stocking'.

Elizabeth Carter was a notable figure of the 18th century’s literary scene, mainly
known for her accomplishments as a poet, translator, and linguist. She was born on the 16th
of December 1717 in Deal and passed away on the 19th of February 1806 in London.

Carter gained recognition for her translation work, particularly her translation of
Epictetus' Discourses, Enchiridion and Fragments, which were the first ones ever done, from
Greek to English. Her work was praised for its clarity and accuracy, contributing to the
understanding of Stoic philosophy in the English-speaking world.

Apart from her translation work, Carter was also known for her poetry and scholarly
pursuits. She was a member of the “Bluestocking Circle”, which was a salon, a group of
intellectual women and men who gathered for literary discussions and socializing, often
organized by women themselves. This salon was hosted by Elizabeth Montagu, who was
known as the “Queen of the Blues”, while the intellectual women participating, such as
Carter, were know as “blue stockings” ; a term used to talk about highly educated people
(which became pejorative some decades after).

8) What was the use of pockets under the dresses of women ?

Pockets were omnipresent accessories in 18th-century women's clothing. From being

practical tools for work and social activities to symbols of social status and morality, they
encapsulated the experiences of women from different spheres of society.

Primarily, pockets served an utilitarian function, facilitating tasks associated with

work, sociability, and domestic economy. They provided a convenient means for women,
such as shopkeepers and servants (working-class), to carry essentials like money, keys, and
small items necessary for their daily activities and transactions. For middle-class and noble
women, pockets enabled them to engage in social interactions by holding money for
shopping, theater tickets, or tips for servants during visits.

Pockets were also used to store valuables, underlining their role in financial security
within the domestic sphere. In the absence of formal banking systems, women entrusted
their savings and valuables to their pockets. However, pockets were vulnerable to theft,
emphasizing the fragility of women's economic independence.
 Beyond their practicality, pockets naturally carried social connotations. The choice of
materials and design reflected the wearer's social standing and taste. Silk pockets were
associated with noble women, indicating refinement and elegance, while resilient leather
pockets, were often preferred by working-class women. Additionally, the visibility of pockets
conveyed a message about the woman's status. For instance, the latter would see a
functional aspect in pockets, not wearing them underneath their dresses, like the former, but
often on top, providing easy access to essential items while working.

The social discourse surrounding pockets encompassed broader narratives about

femininity. Literary and visual representations often depicted pockets as symbols of
respectability, with their visibility or misuse being subject to social judgment. Excessive use
or ostentatious display of pocket could then lead to ridicule, since subtlety and restraint were
seen as important in pocket etiquette.

In conclusion, pockets served as more than mere functional accessories; they

embodied complex social meanings and norms. From facilitating economic transactions and
social interactions to symbolizing notions of virtue, pockets played a pivotal role in shaping
perceptions of femininity in the 18th society.

WORKS CITED

“Bluestocking.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Jan. 2024,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluestocking

“Elizabeth Carter.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Feb. 2024,

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Carter

Fennetaux, Ariane. “Les Poches Ou La Voie / Voix Moyenne : Valeurs et Pratiques Des
Fem...” XVII-XVIII. Revue de La Société d’études Anglo-Américaines Des XVIIe et XVIIIe
Siècles, Société d’études anglo-américaines des XVIIe et XVIIIe siècles, 18 Aug. 2016,
journals.openedition.org/1718/363