Episode 90: Pistols at Dawn? Col Brandon and Willoughby's Duel in Sense & Sensibility

Did Regency gentlemen really fight duels to defend a woman's honour? Was Colonel Brandon the gallant hero we often imagine, or was his challenge to Willoughby driven by anger, revenge, and a deeply ingrained code of masculine honour?In this episode of What the Austen? I'm joined by Paul Bavill from History Rage to separate fact from fiction as we explore the fascinating world of Regency duelling. Together, we unpack why gentlemen really challenged one another, the strict rituals that governed these deadly encounters, and why many duels weren't intended to end in bloodshed.Using Colonel Brandon's notorious, yet only briefly mentioned, duel with Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility as our case study, we ask whether Austen presents Brandon as a romantic hero or subtly critiques the culture of honour that drove men to risk their lives over reputation.Expect plenty of myth-busting, surprising historical facts, and a fresh perspective on one of Austen's most admired gentlemen.Whether you're an Austen fan, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the real Regency era, this episode is sure to challenge what you thought you knew about pistols at dawn.As I mentioned in the episode, be sure to check out Paul's podcast and hop aboard the Rage Train! History Rage is a weekly podcast where historians of every flavour and period come together to answer one simple question: "What's the one historical 'fact' you wish everyone would just stop believing?" From there, the sparks really do fly!Follow @historyrage for more historical myth-busting, and @whattheausten for all things Jane Austen... and, occasionally, me. 😂London NootropicsIf you'd like to try adaptogenic mushroom coffee, you can use my code IZZYMEAKIN for 20% off at checkout:https://londonnootropics.com/IZZYMEAKINThe blend I'm drinking in this episode is Flow, which combines speciality coffee with adaptogenic mushrooms to help support focus and calm.Wilsons Pet Food: Delicious, fresh dog food designed by nutritionists to give your dog everything they need to thrive. Packed with wholefoods, prime cuts of meat and vibrant veg. https://www.wilsonspetfood.co.uk/discount/whattheausten Code: whattheausten for 20% off AD Disclaimer: What the Austen? is a true passion project that I produce alongside my full-time job. Brand partnerships and sponsorships help cover the costs of keeping the podcast running, from recording software and equipment to editing and hosting. If you choose to use one of my affiliate codes, thank you! Every purchase helps support the podcast and allows me to keep creating free Jane Austen content.