Friday funnies......

The Jane Austen Punishments List

1. An evening at a recital given by Mary Bennet.
2. A tour of Rosings with Mr. Collins
   - OR -
   Watching an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous guest-hosted by Mr. Collins.
3. An audience with the Queen accompanied by Mrs. Bennet.
4. A girls' clothes-shopping expedition and makeover with Caroline Bingley.
5. Having Lydia Bennet over for a two weeks' holiday.
6. Matchmaking by Caroline Bingley.
7. A weekend in Reno or Las Vegas with Mr. Wickham.
8. A moral discussion with Mary Bennet and Mr. Collins.
9. A cross-country tour in the Barouche with the condescending Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

*From p emberley.com.....I have not included the full list as some are not fit for delicate teenage eyes. Click on the characters for fabulous descriptions on this great Jane Austen site.


So, today in class, we are investigating the proposal, so make sure you have revised, particularly chapters 31-34! I will be setting this week's homework which will be due next Wed, so if you're absent, please email me.

Mr Collins, directors' cut.

How have director's chosen to portray Austen's satirical, foolish parson throughout the years?

Here's the 1979 mini-series. This is the one we watched in Year 11 when we did P+P :-).



Here's the first dinner with Collins from the better-known versions:



Joe Wright played him shorter and less slimey in 2005, which works quite well, possibly due to Tom Hollander's acting range.

Poor old David Bamber, in 1995, highlights the obsequious folly so well and makes it clearly apparent why the girls are so appalled at the thought of marriage to Collins.

I can't say much about the Olivier/Garson version from 1940. It so ludicrously alters the whole tone of Pride and Prejudice from a witty, gentle comedy to some sort of mid-century, Gone With the Wind-style romp, that I can't take it seriously. Even Larry doesn't make this work for me, despite being certainly the best-looking Darcy. Plus, Greer Garson's almost old enough to play Mrs Bennet!

Essay time at Netherfield...

Give an account of the Netherfield Ball, emphasising particularly, the 'good' or 'bad' breeding of the most important characters.

Soooo, it's all a bit boy meets girl, boy likes girl, girl hates boy, girl has this excruciating family.
What do I want you to cover in your first essay?

You need to show how the Bennet's display of their lack of class/breeding at the Netherfield Ball, in all its technicolour glory, reflects what was important to Austen and her milieu. Don't just make it a roll-call of eye-rolling embarrassment; remember to link your examples to the issues Austen was concerned with. What was important, in her opinion? What is she highlighting through these characters' behaviour?

Due: Wednesday 24th Feb! Don't submit this late! I will not pass you, plus I will give you the famous MzMez glare. (no pressure....)

MzMez Sez.*

Welcome to my world of literature, in all its bloggedy goodness. I offer you, dear Literature class of 2010, a forum in which to explore, adore and even abhor, all things literary.

Don't forget to comment! Mi Blogger e su Blogger. :-)

Coming up.....Is it Pride? Is it Prejudice? Or just a teensy weensy bit of both?

Stay tuned!!!


* abject apologies proffered for lame title rhyme. Ouch!