'Emma' is so good, maybe there's room in this book club for mentions of 'Emma' in other novels? P.D. James, in her dystopic sci-fi thriller and Christian allegory, 'The Children of Men': has her hero, Theo read aloud from 'Emma' in a peaceful interlude just before the good-guys-on-the-run get back on the road and the inevitable plot plunge into fear and darkness. Here's how the novel makes an appearance:
'You've been a hell of a time. Did you have trouble?'
'No. Jasper's dead. Suicide. We've collected as much as the car will hold. Drive the Rover into the garage and I'll lock it and the gate. I've already locked the house.'
There was nothing worth transferring from the Rover to the Renault except his road maps and a paperback of 'Emma' which he found in the glove box. He slipped the book into his inner coat pocket which held the revolver and his diary.
We don't know which bit he read aloud. No actual quotes. (Telling you this so you don't get your hopes up.) However, if I were PD James I would imagine Theo reading beginning of Chapter 12 when Mr Knightley and Emma make up. Austen is clear that the presence of children helps effect this reconciliation. There is an infant Emma, 'happy to be danced about in her aunt's arms' Mr Knightley rapidly cheers up and is soon moved to 'take the child out of her arms with all the unceremoniousness of perfect amity.' Interestingly, Wentworth in Persuasion is also a successful child wrangler. Obvs a talent Austen admired in men.
I reread Mansfield Park last year and completely changed my view of it. When young I found Fanny dull and pious in contrast to the vivacious and captivating Crawfords. Now I think she’s one of the bravest heroines in literature and it seems clear that it’s privilege that gives the Crawfords the right to out charm everyone else. In short it’s a social novel and Austen has given us a modern heroine who is trapped between birth and fortune, compromise and loyalty. Fanny has no agency but somehow manages to be the moral heart of the story and her world. She has more inner life than Little Dorrit and is less overtly rebellious than Jane Eyre and I love her and love the novel.
I missed the meeting today.... so disappointed. Did you record it?
Totally my mistake. But I got to Face Time with a couple of adorable little grand-girlies. I'll take the "consolation" prize!
Speaking of grandkids.... the question just popped up: do they ever appear in Austen except in Emma and Persuasion?
Alas no but I will be doing posts with what I said
'Emma' is so good, maybe there's room in this book club for mentions of 'Emma' in other novels? P.D. James, in her dystopic sci-fi thriller and Christian allegory, 'The Children of Men': has her hero, Theo read aloud from 'Emma' in a peaceful interlude just before the good-guys-on-the-run get back on the road and the inevitable plot plunge into fear and darkness. Here's how the novel makes an appearance:
'You've been a hell of a time. Did you have trouble?'
'No. Jasper's dead. Suicide. We've collected as much as the car will hold. Drive the Rover into the garage and I'll lock it and the gate. I've already locked the house.'
There was nothing worth transferring from the Rover to the Renault except his road maps and a paperback of 'Emma' which he found in the glove box. He slipped the book into his inner coat pocket which held the revolver and his diary.
They novel happens to be in my reading list atm!!
We don't know which bit he read aloud. No actual quotes. (Telling you this so you don't get your hopes up.) However, if I were PD James I would imagine Theo reading beginning of Chapter 12 when Mr Knightley and Emma make up. Austen is clear that the presence of children helps effect this reconciliation. There is an infant Emma, 'happy to be danced about in her aunt's arms' Mr Knightley rapidly cheers up and is soon moved to 'take the child out of her arms with all the unceremoniousness of perfect amity.' Interestingly, Wentworth in Persuasion is also a successful child wrangler. Obvs a talent Austen admired in men.
She’s pro natal to be sure, despite what a lot of modern critics will tell you
She’s all for familial love.
Well, there's your prompt! Bump it up the pile. I think you'll find it entertaining.
Excited for this!
I reread Mansfield Park last year and completely changed my view of it. When young I found Fanny dull and pious in contrast to the vivacious and captivating Crawfords. Now I think she’s one of the bravest heroines in literature and it seems clear that it’s privilege that gives the Crawfords the right to out charm everyone else. In short it’s a social novel and Austen has given us a modern heroine who is trapped between birth and fortune, compromise and loyalty. Fanny has no agency but somehow manages to be the moral heart of the story and her world. She has more inner life than Little Dorrit and is less overtly rebellious than Jane Eyre and I love her and love the novel.
12am is a hassle, can you push around a few hours?
sorry
is that a no?
yes, the time cant change, sorry