Can "Novels of Manners" Be Instructive?

[astrum]

"The novel of manners (http://books.google.com/books?id=SmiPUmCKvr0C&printsec=frontcover&dq=the+novel+of+manners&hl=en&sa=X&ei=bVKdUuGmHoXuyQGx04HYCg&ved=0CDgQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=the%20novel%20of%20manners&f=false)" is a specific genre of literature.

According to Wikipedia, novels of manners shed light on the customs, language, behavior, and values of a particular group of people in society--namely the upper classes. Such novels, moreover, are often written by members of that very group.


This makes me wonder:

Can novels of manners be instructive? That is, if someone wanted to understand/join a particular social group or emulate that group in some way, could he/she use novels of manners (along with other tools) as guides?

[Buh4Bee]

There are several books you can read on business etiquette. In fact, several companies my husband has worked for in the past have held all day seminars specifically on business etiquette. I personally have read books on etiquette for work to be sure that I remember to maintain a certain level of composure. If you are working in a business setting, I suppose there is a certain level of "class" associated with this group.

I however, do not know about books that instruction one in how to act "polished" or "well-bred" at the country club.

As far as novels being instructive, I guess it depends on the person. What purpose are you reading the novel for? Does reading about high society teach you how to behave in high society? It may help, but I'd guess to a very limited degree. It takes years to teach manners as well as a humane personality. Children learn compassion from their same gender parent.

[astrum]

Interesting