Looks like it’s time for another history lecture from Professor Mags. Class will come to order. Dorothy, please write the names of the tardy students on the board.

“You have to understand, in that period, women were disenfranchised,” Sutherland tells The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm. “They lost the right to inherit property. They had to get married. Otherwise, they had nothing. They were in the poor house.”

Sadly, no!

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Vol. I Ch. XIV (14):

“She has one only daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.”

Just saying.

Looks like we will have to lecture on fine literature as well…good thing we have tenure here at AustenBlog U (Go Fighting Janeites Snarks!)

His wife is two-time Academy Award nominee Brenda Blethyn, who Sutherland calls “exquisite.” And notes the role of long-suffering husband is not the way he plays the part of Mr. Bennet.

“He’s a husband who just adores and loves her. His life is built on having sex with her. It’s just beautiful. Absolutely it is. It’s just bliss.”

Sadly, no!

From Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (is there an echo in here?), Vol. II, Ch. XIX (42):

Had Elizabeth’s opinion been all drawn from her own family, she could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and illiberal mind had, very early in their marriage, put an end to all real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were overthrown. But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition to seek comfort, for the disappointment which his own imprudence had brought on, in any of those pleasures which too often console the unfortunate for their folly or their vice. He was fond of the country and of books; and from these tastes had arisen his principal enjoyments. To his wife he was very little otherwise indebted, than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his amusement. This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in general wish to owe to his wife; but where other powers of entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive benefit from such as are given.

Again, just saying. Looks like we didn’t have to lecture much after all; Jane did the job for us admirably.

And yes, you in the back, this WILL be on the test.

(Thanks to our Janeite Spy for alerting us to this interview.)

ETA: Kurt Loder of MTV also needs a smack upside the head with the Cluebat of Historical Rectitude.