Emma by Jane Austen

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Emma has just found herself a new undertaking. While on a visit to her neighbors’ – a kindness she spared in spite of their lower social status – she has met a younger woman, Harriet Smith, naive to the ways of the world and whom she feels she can mold into possibility. Her first hurdle is convincing poor Harriet that she is not in love with the crude Mr. Martin, but should rather save herself for other prospects more suitable. As time passes, however, Emma gradually learns that in spite of her good intentions, she in fact can not improve on what human nature ordains.

Every so often, I like to revert to the classics, searching out what folks have loved in the past. I have to admit that I am fairly stunned that this is in that category (and yet it is, according to almost any listing you may search). While it is somewhat entertaining, it is, at best, a soap-opera-ish, romance novel. There are mind-numbing details about the histories of each character’s social status, their day-to-day routines of meetings and inane conversations, and the gossip that stirs around each of them that is typical for a tiny, intimate town.

We do see growth of Emma’s character. She begins with little insight as to her own naivety, not seeing her own willfulness, her own egocentrism as being problematic. She tries to interfere in everyone’s world. Gradually, however, she learns that this interference can backfire, and painfully so. She not only acknowledges her errors, but she changes her ways: she holds her tongue even when she might not have before, steps back, and listens more. For this, she is ultimately rewarded.

I suppose there is a lesson here for us all, no?

I would love to hear what others think of this novel as it is very likely some of you have read it. Thoughts???

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Poor little Jane has found herself orphaned, mistreated by her cousins, and unloved by her aunt who is her only surviving adult relative. While she has been educated, fed (just barely), clothed (in castaway clothing), and housed, she has also been the target of their physical and emotional abuse as well as their general disdain since her arrival at their home following her parents’ sudden death. After a particularly traumatic incident, she is sent away to a boarding school, where her life continues to be difficult but where she finds an inner strength that carries her through her continuous search for happiness and love.

Many of you have likely read this classic – I had not. But after finding myself reading so many novels that referenced it, I felt almost an obligation to enhance my apparently deficient education. So here it is – Jane Eyre, read and appreciated. While I did need a dictionary beside me to ensure I didn’t miss any of it – Bronte’s vocabulary far surpasses mine! – I did find it quite beautiful. The heroine herself is strong, blunt, and unapologetically intelligent. While she is diminutive in size, she is enormous in integrity, humility and character. She is industrious enough to give more than take; wise enough to listen more than speak. She is one we can only aspire to be.

And though the story is a bit far fetched, with coincidences beyond what we might expect to happen in the real world, it is still a plot that captures the imagination and keeps the reader wanting to know what could possibly come next. We are with Jane and her exploits, her journey, all the way. And we root for her until the very end.

This is an old tale, yes, but also timeless. If you haven’t read it, it is absolutely worthwhile. If nothing else, to at least bolster your vocabulary!

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Anne has led a quiet life, since the breakup of her engagement 8 years ago. She has not questioned the wisdom of the advice her dear friend, Lady Russell had given her, knowing that it was only out of the best of intentions that her friend advised her so. But she has wondered just how her Captain Wentworth had been faring since that time. As it happens, she may now find out – because he is returning to them! Now that her father has outspent his fortune and has to rent out his estate to Captain Wentworth’s sister and brother-in-law, she may be seeing him once again. But it won’t be that simple to learn what his thoughts are – and to whom his heart belongs.

Every so often I love going back to the classics – especially ones I’ve never had the opportunity to read. While I found this one a bit confusing in that it was challenging to keep track of the characters and their connections – every male character was named either Charles or William and everyone was a cousin! – I did find it amusing and entertaining. So many of the classics are heart-wrenching and tragic and it is refreshing to know that at the time of Jane Austen – the later 1700’s/early 1800’s – it was permitted, even appreciated, to have a sense of humor!

So while this was not a deeply profound or moving novel, it was certainly a fun change of pace.

I wouldn’t call this a MUST READ but it is definitely on the list of classics to get to at some point…