REVIEW: Austen’s greatest hits
For anyone who has ever wanted you to read Jane Austen but found the task too daunting, I have good news for you: It is feasible. Austen is not as hard as most readers think, and once you get used to the language, her novels can be fascinating.
Jane Austen was a trailblazer in her time, and her dry wit critiques the lifestyles of the gentry in 18th-century England. Talking about just one of Austen’s books would not do justice to the others, so here are my two favorites:
1. “Emma”
While not her most famous work, I think “Emma” just barely tops “Pride and Prejudice.” The main character, Emma Woodhouse, is the daughter of the most prestigious man in her town and loves matchmaking, priding herself on her abilities. Austen succeeds at creating realistic characters and because of this, she writes Emma with a flaw, arrogance. Emma is prideful, and the only one able to humble her is my favorite character, Mr. Knightley.
Mr. Knightley is older than Emma, and consequently more mature. He is always honest with Emma, and enjoys bringing her pride down a notch or two. I love the banter back and forth between them, and think the fact that they are such good friends lends itself to a realistic relationship.
While Austen may have grown up in the lower connections of the gentry, she critiques many of its traditions. In her book Austen develops a relationship between Emma and her friend Harriet, a girl with almost no money or connections. Austen does a wonderful job of showing the conflict between love and money when Emma would like to match up Harriet with someone above her station. In those days, and sometimes even in our day, that is unacceptable, but also interesting to read about.
2. “Pride and Prejudice”
“Pride and Prejudice” is one of the most referenced classic books in the world, mentioned in numerous movies, conversations and even other novels. However, I would just like to say now that I absolutely hate it when people take the classic story and rewrite it, either by setting it in the current day, changing it around to write it from Darcy’s point of view or even add numerous other unrealistic creatures to the story line.
For those of you who have not read the book, or seen either the newer movie or the six-hour one, I would suggest doing so. Yes, even men can enjoy this classic story. While “Emma” is my favorite novel, Elizabeth Bennet is my favorite of Austen’s characters. Her wit and ability to put men off their guard is one of the great achievements in writing. I also love how she is not the most beautiful one, her sister Jane owns that title, but yet she charms what I think is a better man.
If there is a bucket list of things to read before dying, “Pride and Prejudice” should be up at the top, second only to Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Reading it will broaden anyone’s perspective, and deepen the understanding of language and culture.
So there you have it. Men, you can impress the ladies by touting your knowledge of Jane Austen. And for the women, who doesn’t love a good comical romance now and again? The book may not have a money-back guarantee, but I guarantee if you give either of these books a fair chance (that means reading them all the way through), you won’t regret it. Yes, I know the language sounds funny, and yes, they are long, but what else could you possibly have to do over Christmas break?
– Kellyn.neumann@aggiemail.usu.edu