Loading…
GCSE English Literature · key term
A reserve military force used for home defence. In Austen’s novel, a militia regiment is stationed in Meryton before moving to a camp near Brighton.
Used by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Eduqas
Paper 1
A reserve military force raised for service within Britain, including defence against invasion.
Revise: Chapters 36 to 46The militia was a home-defence force, mobilised during war with revolutionary France. Sussex’s coast was considered vulnerable to invasion, helping explain the concentration of soldiers there. For Lydia, however, the camp means uniforms, flirtation and attention.
Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.
Paper 2
A military force organised for home defence. Wickham’s militia regiment brings officers into the Bennets’ social circle.
Revise: ContextThe militia, organised for home defence, was mobilised in 1793 during the French Revolutionary Wars; warfare continued into the Napoleonic period. Wickham’s regiment provides the younger Bennet sisters with exciting social opportunities at Meryton. Its move to Brighton creates the circumstances for Lydia’s visit and subsequent flight with him.
A military force raised for home defence. The officers stationed near the Bennets move to a camp near Brighton.
A military force mobilised for home defence. The militia regiment stationed in Meryton brings Wickham and other officers into the Bennet sisters’ social world.
Paper 1
A reserve military force raised for service at home rather than overseas. In Austen’s period, militia units helped protect Britain against invasion.
Revise: Chapters 36 to 46In Chapter 39, Lydia announces that the militia will leave Meryton to camp near Brighton. Militia forces served within Britain, and the Sussex coast was an important area of defence against possible French invasion. This explains the military presence, but Lydia sees officers chiefly as opportunities for entertainment and flirtation.
A reserve military force intended for service within Britain. Wickham joins the militia regiment stationed at Meryton.
Component 2
Reserve military forces raised for service at home. In the novel’s historical setting, militia units helped defend Britain against possible French invasion.
Revise: Chapters 36 to 46The militia’s move from Meryton to a camp near Brighton gives Lydia a new opportunity to pursue officers. These were home-service forces associated with Britain’s defence during the wars against revolutionary France. Large military camps brought officers into seaside society.
A reserve military force used for home defence. In Austen’s novel, its officers become prominent in local social life.
