The way I got hooked on Austen was through Pride and Prejudice. My sister-in-law had been telling us all about it and encouraging me to read it until I finally decided to try it and see what all the fuss was about. :) Needless to say I got hooked!
Pride and Prejudice is the story of the Bennet sisters. The story opens on the exciting news that a new bachelor is in town and Mrs. Bennet is "thinking of his marrying one of them [the sisters]." Unfortunately things do not go quite according to Mrs. Bennet's plan, at first.
The said bachelor is a Mr. Bingley who brings with him his two sisters, brother-in-law, and a friend named Mr. Darcy. My first thought of Darcy was that he was a creep and a villain, but soon my opinion was changed. I won't say how, you'll have to read this story for yourself! We are at first only interested in Jane Bennet (the oldest sister) and her prospects for a husband but gradually the story shifts to Elizabeth Bennet and her prospects.
The main character is Elizabeth Bennet and we see the actions of others through her eyes, and only perceive what is happening by what Elizabeth knows. She believes herself capable of understanding and interpreting people and events and if she doesn't, then she just attempts to laugh off her mistakes for "Follies and nonsense , whims and inconsistencies , do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can."
Another character I have to mention is Mr. Collins. He is the prime example in this book of Austen's witty style. Collins is a clergymen and the Bennet girls' cousin, and as such "I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures of good will are highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive branch." As it can be seen, Collins is full of himself which makes it all the more entertaining when he receives the talking to that he deserves.
The fun comes in conversation between characters. It shows how wrong some people can be when they are holding onto their pride, or are prejudiced. In the end we get to laugh right along with Elizabeth and not only at others, but at herself as well.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Today is a Day of Celebration
Our granddaughter/niece, Tovia Ann, is one years old today! We are in awe as we think back to a year ago when she was born premature and was in the NICU for 2 months. We thank the Lord for His care and her growth over this last year. She is a walking (crawling) miracle! Her life will always declare that our God is good and gracious! We also remember her sister, Anastacia Ruth, who died, quite probably, so that Tovia could live. She is a picture of true frienship and love. It will be a joyous reunion when we join her in our heavenly home! We have a great God who hears our cries for help and He comes to the rescue!
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." Psam 100
"Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." Psam 100
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Get Hooked on Austen: Emma
As the story opens in the Woodhouse parlor, we read of sorrow mixed with joy as Emma, a young lady almost 21 yrs old, tries to console her father. Miss Taylor, Emma’s governess, has recently married and Mr. Woodhouse laments that it is a dreadful event. Emma, though she will miss her governess and best friend, comforts her father with the thought that they will still see her quite often. Her father, not liking change, cannot be consoled because “Miss Taylor” is now “Mrs. Weston.” Skillfully interweaving many characters into her novels, Jane Austen keeps the reader engaged. Emma is no exception.
Copious characters, in Emma, are promptly placed so the reader must be keenly aware to keep them all straight. I have to admit that I needed a “cheat sheet” to help me when I first read Emma. I was at first confused because “Emma” was sometimes called by her first name, and at other times by her last name, “Miss Woodhouse.” This was done with some of the other people too. It helped me to write down characters as they were added and I kept the list in the book so I could refer to it. Consequently, toward the middle of the narrative I no longer needed my cheat sheet. So keep that in mind, if you are easily confused like me.
At the beginning of the story, the “handsome” Emma is self assured, claiming that she is the one who is responsible for Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston meeting and encouraging the commitment. Having this accomplishment in mind, she states that other couples might need her help in matchmaking also. Fervently, Mr. Knightley, a close family friend, warns her against interfering and her father adamantly counsels her that matches “are silly things, and break up one’s family circle grievously.” With Austen’s wit and sometimes humor, the reader is drawn into the various struggles in which Emma finds herself. At the novel’s conclusion, she has flourished into a wiser more mature woman.
One of my favorite characters is Emma’s father. Although he is a friendly, hospitable man, he has a propensity of fretting about a variety of things such as: drafts in the house, the food people eat, or the weather. Emma, having a bright, happy personality, adores her dear papa and respectfully tries to cheer him when he starts to worry. I can picture Mr. Woodhouse sitting in an overstuffed chair with a blanket over his spindly legs exclaiming, “…But surely, Mr. Churchill, nobody would think of opening the windows at Randalls. Nobody could be so imprudent! I never heard of such a thing. Dancing with open windows! I am sure neither your father nor Mrs. Weston would suffer it.” I couldn’t help but smile as I read Mr. Woodhouse’s concerns.
The reader will certainly learn some valuable lessons from Emma. In Peter Leithart’s book, Miniatures & Morals he states, “Perhaps the most Christian novel Austen wrote, Emma is concerned with the relation of charity and truth; it is about ‘speaking the truth in love,’ or more precisely, about truth-speaking as the path to love.” Remarkably, one noble character, no matter how difficult, does speak the truth in love; while in contrast, the society all around is habitually trying to play its part, which is often a lie. I highly recommend Emma. There is so much to take in and enjoy. Read it and get hooked on Austen!
Copious characters, in Emma, are promptly placed so the reader must be keenly aware to keep them all straight. I have to admit that I needed a “cheat sheet” to help me when I first read Emma. I was at first confused because “Emma” was sometimes called by her first name, and at other times by her last name, “Miss Woodhouse.” This was done with some of the other people too. It helped me to write down characters as they were added and I kept the list in the book so I could refer to it. Consequently, toward the middle of the narrative I no longer needed my cheat sheet. So keep that in mind, if you are easily confused like me.
At the beginning of the story, the “handsome” Emma is self assured, claiming that she is the one who is responsible for Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston meeting and encouraging the commitment. Having this accomplishment in mind, she states that other couples might need her help in matchmaking also. Fervently, Mr. Knightley, a close family friend, warns her against interfering and her father adamantly counsels her that matches “are silly things, and break up one’s family circle grievously.” With Austen’s wit and sometimes humor, the reader is drawn into the various struggles in which Emma finds herself. At the novel’s conclusion, she has flourished into a wiser more mature woman.
One of my favorite characters is Emma’s father. Although he is a friendly, hospitable man, he has a propensity of fretting about a variety of things such as: drafts in the house, the food people eat, or the weather. Emma, having a bright, happy personality, adores her dear papa and respectfully tries to cheer him when he starts to worry. I can picture Mr. Woodhouse sitting in an overstuffed chair with a blanket over his spindly legs exclaiming, “…But surely, Mr. Churchill, nobody would think of opening the windows at Randalls. Nobody could be so imprudent! I never heard of such a thing. Dancing with open windows! I am sure neither your father nor Mrs. Weston would suffer it.” I couldn’t help but smile as I read Mr. Woodhouse’s concerns.
The reader will certainly learn some valuable lessons from Emma. In Peter Leithart’s book, Miniatures & Morals he states, “Perhaps the most Christian novel Austen wrote, Emma is concerned with the relation of charity and truth; it is about ‘speaking the truth in love,’ or more precisely, about truth-speaking as the path to love.” Remarkably, one noble character, no matter how difficult, does speak the truth in love; while in contrast, the society all around is habitually trying to play its part, which is often a lie. I highly recommend Emma. There is so much to take in and enjoy. Read it and get hooked on Austen!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Jane Austen: Basics
We have not been doing much Jane Austen blogging, so I am going to try to do some more of that. I found out this past summer that some members of my extended family may not know who Jane Austen is and probably have not read any of her books (shocking! :) So, this post is for anyone who wants to learn more about Jane Austen and her books.
Who was Jane Austen? Jane Austen was a novelist who lived from 1775-1817. She wrote 6 major novels which were published, and three unfinished novels, along with several other works. Jane grew up in a large family of 6 brothers and 1 sister. She never married and died at the age of 41.
What about the novels? The novels of Jane Austen include: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Emma, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park. The most popular is probably Pride and Prejudice, which has been made into several film adaptations.
Are there books on the novels or life of Jane Austen? Yes! The one that I have read and recommend is: Miniatures and Morals by Peter Leithart. His new book will be coming out this month called Writer of Fancy: The Playful Piety of Jane Austen.
So those are some basics on Jane Austen. I think we will give you a synopsis of each of the novels in the days ahead. Hope you enjoyed reading these facts!
Who was Jane Austen? Jane Austen was a novelist who lived from 1775-1817. She wrote 6 major novels which were published, and three unfinished novels, along with several other works. Jane grew up in a large family of 6 brothers and 1 sister. She never married and died at the age of 41.
What about the novels? The novels of Jane Austen include: Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Northanger Abbey, Emma, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park. The most popular is probably Pride and Prejudice, which has been made into several film adaptations.
Are there books on the novels or life of Jane Austen? Yes! The one that I have read and recommend is: Miniatures and Morals by Peter Leithart. His new book will be coming out this month called Writer of Fancy: The Playful Piety of Jane Austen.
So those are some basics on Jane Austen. I think we will give you a synopsis of each of the novels in the days ahead. Hope you enjoyed reading these facts!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Another Movie
Some good friends of ours were able to be a part of a movie last summer (and one of them was the lead actress!). It's called COME WHAT MAY, made mostly by students from a new Christian film company, Advent Film Group. The movie is about purity, the sanctity of life, and the importance of doing what's right...come what may.
This movie is being released to DVD nationwide on March 17th by Provident Films, the same company that distributed FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF.
This movie is being released to DVD nationwide on March 17th by Provident Films, the same company that distributed FACING THE GIANTS and FIREPROOF.
I would encourage all of you to buy a copy of this movie when it is released on March 17th. It has a great message!
God's Law is relevant
"Over against the autonomous ethical philosophies of men, where good and evil are defined by sinful speculation, the Christian ethic gains its character and direction from the revealed word of God, a revelation which harmonizes with the general revelation made of God's standards through the created order and man's conscience."
By This Standard
by: Greg Bahnsen
By This Standard
by: Greg Bahnsen
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