Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (68 down, 32 to go)

"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife." ~ Opening line

This is the first time I’ve read Pride and Prejudice and the second work I’ve read by Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is a third-person narrative, Romantic era novel. It tells the story of the Bennet family, early 19th century England, and particularly of the two eldest daughters, Jane and Elizabeth. 

This novel satisfies category one: A 19th Century Classic, from the Back to the Classics Challenge 2016.

My rating: 4 stars

In short, I loved it.

Mr. Bennet, is an English gentleman whose estate is irrevocably entailed to his nearest surviving male relative. As Mr. Bennet has only daughters, five in all, the estate is to be settled on his nephew, Mr. Collins. But as I said, the story is mostly about Jane and Elizabeth (Lizzy). More precisely, Lizzy is the main character, while Jane, her dearest friend and confidante is only slightly less significant. Lizzy is the favorite of her father, and the least favorite of her mother. Both are fond of Jane. Mr. Bennet believes his three youngest, Catherine (Kitty), Mary and Lydia are simple and silly, much like his wife.

I liked Pride and Prejudice, perhaps a bit more than Emma. Having read two Austen novels, I am now an expert. They go something like this.

Among a crowd of laughable and likeable characters, emerge two people perfectly suited for each other, but maddeningly blind to it themselves. Fate or circumstance, gradually bring the two slowly together, but when they finally overcome their own prejudices, they are prevented from obstacles of rank, duty, convention, or familial responsibility.

Don’t mistake my glib description as criticism. It is not. It is a time-honored motif, employed in many eras, by many great writers, producing many superb tales. It works well, but it requires a writer of some craft. In this instance, Austen approached genius.

None of the Bennet girls have much hope in society other than to marry well. This is not at all hopeless as Jane and Elizabeth at least, are considered great beauties. When Mr. Collins comes to call, already heir to the estate, he clearly intends to improve his position by winning the hand of one of his cousins. He first sets his sights on Jane, but learns that she has an admirer and quickly transfers his interest to Lizzy. If ever there was a terrible match, it would be Mr. Collins and Lizzy. He is pompous and officious, whereas Lizzy is intelligent, witty, discerning and sincere. Mr. Collins cannot conceive that any woman would refuse him, and Lizzy cannot imagine any would have him.

Bit more on Mr. Collins: he never reads novels. Who could like such a man?

Enter Mr. Darcy: extremely wealthy, tall and handsome, aloof and proud. And the time-honored motif is set, but as I’ve implied, Austen does an extraordinary job of confounding what the reader so desperately believes must happen.

Bravo!

His [Mr. Darcy] understanding and temper, though unlike her own [Lizzy], would have answered all her wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of both; by her ease and liveliness his mind might have been softened, his manners improved, and from his judgment, information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received benefit of greater importance.

Film Rendition: I’ve only seen the 1995 A&E mini-series, starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. I thought it was an excellent portrayal and superbly cast. In the novel, Lizzy is often described as having fine or beautiful eyes and I’m not certain there’s an actress in Hollywood with such beautiful eyes as Jennifer Ehle.

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Emma by Jane Austen (45 down 55 to go)

This is the first time I’ve read Emma or Jane Austen. Emma is a Romance era novel, third-person account of Emma Woodhouse, a heroine that Austen said: "no one but myself will much like." The setting is England, very early 19th century. 

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

This novel satisfies square N5 of 2015 Classics Bingo: Classic of Europe

I endeavored to proffer my review of Emma in a style signified to flatter Austen’s own, but discretion compelled me forbear. I avow that this I owe to unfeigned trepidation that I should discover myself unequal to the task. The result, I feared with absolute certitude, would be found intolerably deficient, and I should reproach myself for the vain aspiration that, though most nobly imagined, must be considered both ill-conceived and ill advised, by any persons possessing themselves of elegant and judicious sensitivities.

So let me just say…I liked it a lot.

As I said, this is the first Jane Austen novel *gasp*, I know. However, I was familiar with the story due to a film rendition. There were aspects I would have enjoyed more, had I been in suspense. It is a romance novel set in Surrey, England. I don’t believe a precise date is ever set, nor are there historical reference points to infer the date. It was first published in 1815, and is probably meant to take place in the early 19th century. It is the story of Emma Woodhouse, the spoiled daughter of an English gentleman, an avowed bachelorette, and the epitome of a busy body. She is also beautiful, gracious, intelligent and kind hearted.

Regarding Austen’s surmise of Emma that she would be: a heroine whom no one but myself will much like. That’s about right. I liked Emma, but I didn’t like her much.

Of course, there are numerous other characters. Some comic: Emma’s father, and Emma’s friend Miss Bates; some tragic, at least temporarily: Emma’s protégée Harriet Smith; some comically detestable: Mr. and Mrs. Elton; some mysterious: Jane Fairfax; some cavalier: Frank Churchill; some lovable: Emma’s former governess and dear friend Mrs. Weston; and one distinct, noble, admirable, wise and good: Mr. Knightley. I believe Knightley is a much an adjective as it is a surname. Or if you prefer, an aptronym.

Knightley is an old family friend. His relationship with Emma appears to be nearly that of an older brother. He is sometimes stern, but always protective and courteous. You may infer from what I’ve said, as the reader infers, that there is more than brotherly affection behind Mr. Knightley’s regard. This aspect of the story, more than any other, I wish I had not known and could have discovered gradually and then suddenly with Emma.

Spoiler Alert: The following contains a spoiler.

It ends happily ever after. It’s been a while since I read one of those; it was a nice change. (last happily ever after, was Jane Eyre, 14 novels ago, and even that is not thoroughly happily ever after)

Excerpts:

There is one thing, Emma, which a man can always do, if he chooses, and that is his duty… ~ Mr. Knightley

A mind lively and at ease, can do with seeing nothing, and can see nothing that does not answer.

I certainly must, said she. This sensation of listlessness, weariness, stupidity, this disinclination to sit down and employ myself, this feeling of everything’s being dull and insipid about the house! – I must be in love… ~ Emma

Mr. Elton was in the same room at once with the woman he had just married, the woman he had wanted to marry, and the woman whom he had been expected to marry, she must allow him to have the right to look as little wise, and to be as much affectedly, and as little really easy as could be.

It darted through her, with the speed of an arrow, that Mr. Knightley must marry no one but herself! ~ Emma’s thoughts 

Film Rendition: I felt the 1996 film rendition with Gwyneth Paltrow as Emma and Jeremy Northam as Mr. Knightly is very good, and quite faithful. I have only two complaints, and one is my own fault. I wish I had read the book first. I believe I would have enjoyed the book more for not knowing the end, and I think I would have enjoyed the movie more knowing more of the details and finer points for having read the book. My other complaint is the casting of Ms. Paltrow as Emma. This is no critique of her acting, I think she played the part quite well. She is simply not at all how I pictured Emma. The rest of the casting was very good however, so I still give the movie high marks.

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