What musical instrument does Elizabeth Bennet play?

Elizabeth Bennet plays the pianoforte in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

The pianoforte was the principal domestic keyboard instrument of Austen’s period, combining the expressive control of a piano with the older terminology of the fortepiano. Musical accomplishment was considered an important part of a young woman’s education and social presentation, although Elizabeth’s abilities are treated with more modesty than her wit and conversation.

Elizabeth plays at Rosings Park during her visit to Charlotte and Mr. Collins. Lady Catherine de Bourgh questions her about her musical training and criticizes the way the Bennet sisters were educated. Elizabeth is willing to play, but she does not pretend to be a remarkable performer. This scene also contrasts Elizabeth’s independence and humor with Lady Catherine’s controlling approach to etiquette.

A common mix-up is Mary Bennet, who is more conspicuously associated with serious musical performance. Elizabeth, however, also plays the instrument, and “pianoforte” is the period term used for the piano-like keyboard instrument in the novel.