Feedback Widget.

Hello!!! Long time, no type.

I am unwinding in front of the 1979 version of Pride and Prejudice, written by Fay Weldon. Quite a bizarre idea to put Austen's words into the mouths of her erstwhile characters (not quite relevant, but I do like the word erstwhile), but it kind of works, despite the wooden, 1970s-BBC production values.

Anyhoo.....

SAC time in 2 sleeps. You will be writing an essay on either class or gender. Remember that Austen uses the narrative techniques of characterisation, irony and dialogue to position the reader to see certain views and values. Try to start using these literary terms. Even if you don't quite pull it off, it's great practice.

(I interrupt this blog to report that Elizabeth Garvie is a delightful Lizzy Bennet!)

If you are writing about class, remember that the historical context of Pride and Prejudice was that the class system was all-pervasive and extremely pronounced. However, Austen shows through her characters, irony and dialogue that class is no replacement for good manners. Consider Lady Catherine de Bourgh.

If you are writing about gender roles and marriage, keep an eye to the complexities of this issue in Austen's time. Women had to get married for financial and social security and Austen reinforces this concept with Charlotte Lucas' pragmatic marriage to Collins, but she also expresses her views that marriage must be based on an equal love, incorporating intellectual and emotional compatibility. Also, keep in mind that Jane and Bingley's love is presented as a romantic ideal; a meeting of two perfectly lovely people, however Austen does not necessarily present them as a completely successful match.

Good luck!!

Love and marriage....essays and marriage.........

So, what does Jane think about marriage? What are the features of a successful marriage, according to a woman who never entered into that hallowed state?

In your intro, I would certainly explain that marriage was a key concern of Jane Austen's day (and why), ie: putting this into historical context. (we will be discussing this tomorrow, so bring your textbook!) If you're a clever cookie, you will incorporate and explain the levels of meaning in the opening truism of the novel. (yes, we have discussed this!)

The body of your essay should include a detailed discussion, with evidence and quotes, of each of the 5 main marriages and whether JA considers them successful or not (and why). Remember, that some marriages we may not consider successful in the modern era (ie: Charlotte and Collins), served a very real purpose back in the Regency. Make sure you keep a sense of context, ie: what was appropriate to the author in her era.

Conclusions are for summing up, reiterating the topic and ending with a super-intelligent quote, to show me that you're the best literature student ever! No new points though!

A Man's House is his.....Castle?

Well, if your name's Fitzwilliam Darcy, then it is kind of a, um, I guess a castle. What do you make of Elizabeth's trip to Pemberley? Lizzy jokes to Jane that she first began to have feelings for Darcy when she saw his home. Oh my sides, Lizzy, you're such a card! But how much of this do you think is true? Not necessarily the whole wealth bit, maybe what she learned, saw, experienced there?

WDYT?

Friday Funnies.....not quite on Friday, but still funny!!!

Ok, so this is an absolute cracker. You will no doubt be rolling on the floor laughing, if not laughing off your derriere. (LOYD? sadly, not as catchy as LMAO) I do love a bit of pertinent, Chaser humour.



Check out the bridezilla with attitude at the end.

On a less-funny note, please make sure you are submitting your weekly homework, or MzMez's steely glare will be unleashed tomorrow!

Worst Film Version of W.P.E.

In which Matthew MacFadyen and Kiera Knightley yell at each other intensely in a Gothic downpour in a laughable, Bronte-esque parody.

Homework Helper.....

OK, first things first.....yay to M.J. for being the first to 'follow' this blog of true awesomeness. A chocolate bar bribe awaits thee on Wednesday!

Secondly, I have occasioned the pain of being accosted in the schoolyard by the plaintive cry of "Ms!!! I don't get the homework!!!" Well, knock me over with a lace-trimmed bonnet! I would have thought this week's questions were quite modest in their demands.

So, because I'm the best and most modest teacher, ever, I will proffer the following help:

Questions 1+2: your own opinion! Think! Use your highly regarded brains! I know you can!

Questions 3, 4+5: basic comprehension: check the novel!

Question 6: yikes! Worst. Proposal. Ever!

Question 7: we didn't discuss this in class, but fairly self-explanatory. Basically, does Darcy's letter of explanation offer Lizzy any insights into her own prejudices? Does she change her opinion? Does she see how blind she has been?

Question 8: use the chart to work your way through the proposal and letter. Start in the first column with Lizzy's initial, polite rejection of the offer of marriage, then the next column for how Darcy reacts, then the third for Lizzy's reaction to that. Then go back to the first column for the next point etc. Get it?

Good luck, may the Borg be with you!