The stick of the parasol swivels at a hinge, allowing vertical
protection from the sun, or horizontal protection from the sun.
Parasols were another example of exotic "Orientalism".
Furthermore,
"... the parasole became essential to preserve their
[ladies] pale complexions from strong sunlight."
An obvious expression of racism (a view still held during the 21st century)!
"In Persuasion Captain Wentworth refers to his umbrella
when he tells Anne Eliot, 'I have equipped myself for Bath already.'"
1
1
Downing, Sarah Jane; "Fashion in the Time of Jane Austen", pp. 52, 53
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