I am reading" Emma" and saw "Pride and Prejudice" for the umteenth time. I enjoy reading about life in the village in the 18th century but I find Jane Austin's books very hard to get into.
I had to read and reread Emma until I was able to get into it. There are so many characters to remember. In addition, they cared so much about appearances and whether a person was handsome or beautiful. They didn't seem to care what the person was like inside. The emphasis on social status was also very important to them. Emma's friend Harriet was being pushed into upper society by Emma. I haven't finished the book yet, so I don't know what happens to Harriet. Does she marry Mr. Martin?
Their life seems so boring. That's all they go to is to balls. They are always visiting each other. I guess because there was no telephones then. They didn't seem too bored. Remember, there was no telephones, computers, television or radio's then. Were they better off then, what do you think. Life seemed so peaceful according to Ms. Austin. Being married was a woman's main object. But, it was like that in the 1950's too.
We are so different these days. Is it good or bad or in between?
What is your opinion?
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Comments: 4
I am watching the latest versions of Austin's classics on PBS's Masterpiece on Sunday evenings. "Persuasion" was wonderful, if not that faithful to the novel. You would probably enjoy them if you are a fan of her novels. One thing I love about Austin is the timelessness of her characters in relations to their humanity - loves, desires, prejudices, etc. For someone who was so limited in her company and who died at so young an age, she was a master at depicting a wide range of humanity in her social sphere.
I am becoming a Jane Austin fan. I really enjoyed Northanger Abbey last night. It was so well done.
I am almost finished with "Emma." I wonder what happens to Harriet. Emma is beginning to realize that she did Harriet wrong.
Saw the movie "Pride and Prejudice" Saturday night. You are correct the timelessness of her characters is outstanding. That's what makes it a classic.
She was a brilliant woman. Too bad she had such a short life.
Jane had such insight into people's nature, even though she never married.
It shows you, that one should not give up, it took me many years to get into her writing, but now I love it. Yes, I am happy that her novels and movies are gaining popularity, now. It will expose people, both young and old and inbetween to good literature.
I would like to try Charles Dickens now. Did you ever read his books?