Are you a dude?
Are you currently reading this right now?
All right, great.
I know this is probably the last thing you would want to be reading right now.
I mean seriously, what kind of guy in their right mind would click on a link titled: A Man's Guide For Understanding Jane Austen?
But if you are one of the lucky gentlemen who did decide to take the time and effort to click on this link, it must mean at least that you're curious as to what this month's blog will entail. Especially if it involves none other than Jane Austen.
Are you currently reading this right now?
All right, great.
I know this is probably the last thing you would want to be reading right now.
I mean seriously, what kind of guy in their right mind would click on a link titled: A Man's Guide For Understanding Jane Austen?
But if you are one of the lucky gentlemen who did decide to take the time and effort to click on this link, it must mean at least that you're curious as to what this month's blog will entail. Especially if it involves none other than Jane Austen.
Hey man, it could be worse.
I could've titled this months blog: A Man's Guide for Understanding Fifty Shades of Grey, but I'm not going to do that because that's creepy. And also, I might accidentally attract the wrong fan base.
Okay, down to business.
So, Jane Austen.
Have you ever wondered why women are so obsessed with her novels?
It essentially breaks down to the three main things: Courtship, love and marriage.
And you, know, nineteenth century fashion, etiquette, tea and crumpets and all that Regency era panache.
So if you're trying to understand why your grandma, your sister, your wife, your girlfriend or that girl you've secretly have a crush on but are too timid to go up to talk her, all like Jane Austen, I'm about to break it down to you in the simplest way possible.
In colorful easy-to-follow flowchart style:
I could've titled this months blog: A Man's Guide for Understanding Fifty Shades of Grey, but I'm not going to do that because that's creepy. And also, I might accidentally attract the wrong fan base.
Okay, down to business.
So, Jane Austen.
Have you ever wondered why women are so obsessed with her novels?
It essentially breaks down to the three main things: Courtship, love and marriage.
And you, know, nineteenth century fashion, etiquette, tea and crumpets and all that Regency era panache.
So if you're trying to understand why your grandma, your sister, your wife, your girlfriend or that girl you've secretly have a crush on but are too timid to go up to talk her, all like Jane Austen, I'm about to break it down to you in the simplest way possible.
In colorful easy-to-follow flowchart style:
Okay so let's start with the basics:
These six protagonists (I'm counting the Dashwood sisters as one) in these six novels are all what women either see themselves as, or are striving to become. I mean seriously, how many people wish that they had Elizabeth Bennet's wit or Emma's ability for persuasion? (Men, I'll explain that soon). These are the ladies that women ideally want to see themselves become. And if that's not clear enough then hopefully this is:
 | Name: Catherine Morland Originated from Jane Austen's: Northanger Abbey Which is about: How Catherine Morland's sensational obsession with Gothic novels leads to several misunderstandings. Who she might remind you of: You're eleven-year-old sister who is still obsessed with Twilight. Why your girlfriend likes her: Catherine likes books and is a voracious reader like your girlfriend. But because you're her boyfriend you knew that already, right? Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Despite the fact that Catherine is neither especially smart, or wealthy, she has a good heart and just wants people to get along and be happy. True, her imagination does tend to run wild from time to time, but that's only because she really does believe in the happy endings that all good books should have as their conclusion. Least to say, she's an optimist and a dreamer, which to be honest, are very humbling qualities. Most likely to: Write a thrilling novel about her life. |
 | Names: Elinor and Marianne Dashwood Originated from Jane Austen's: Sense and Sensibility Which is about: The relationship between two sister after their rich father dies, leaving the family to live on a tiny income. Who they might remind you of: Elinor might remind you of that quiet but attentive student in your high school class who you knew always got A's but never gloated about it. As for Marianne, she was always that girl who got the female lead in all of the high school play productions and LOVED it when she read aloud a passionate Shakespearian monologue in front of a crowd of people. Why your girlfriend likes them: Elinor thinks before she speaks. She uses her brain before she makes any sudden decisions. And while your girlfriend would love to have to same temperance as Elinor, she knows for a fact that deep down she relates more to Marianne who just doesn't care what people think of her when she speaks her mind. Why your girlfriend wants to be like them: Elinor makes all of the smart calls and she takes care of the Dashwood family, even when things start to look bad. She is a role model for your girlfriend when things in life just get tough. As for Marianne, your girlfriend wishes that she could be more open to people like the younger Miss Dashwood. However, she is also aware that too much passionate emotions could lead to inevitable consequences. Most likely to: Run for city council. |
 | Name: Elizabeth Bennet Originated from Jane Austen's: Pride and Prejudice Which is about: The prejudice that occurs between an unmarried middle-class young woman and the pride from an upper-class gentleman. Who she reminds you of: That girl who was too clever for your own good. Why your girlfriend likes her: Never has a character in all of Austen's novels made your girlfriend wish she could have a best friend like Lizzie. Miss Bennet rejects the outright corsets of convention, believing firmly that women have every right to be as happy as men and that women should marry for love rather than necessity. In other words, Lizzie Bennet is a modern-day feminist in the eyes of your girlfriend. Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Because she is so sassy and so independent that she is Beyoncé worthy. Your girlfriend's dream is to live up to the standards of Elizabeth Bennet. She wants to run verbal rings around her nemesis's and like Miss Bennet, she wants to produce a perfect comeback for every comment you – her boyfriend – make to her. Most likely to: Become a savvy attorney. |
 | Name: Fanny Price Originated from Jane Austen's: Mansfield Park Which is about: A young woman being shipped off to live with her rich aunt and uncle and is constantly reminded that she is too poor to fit in. Who she reminds you of: Cady from Mean Girls. Why your girlfriend likes her: Fanny is independent (or at least tries to be independent) and she doesn't give into the social constraints of her rich family. She stands her ground and doesn't let anyone tell her what to do, even if she is going against the current. Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Despite the opposing position Fanny is in, she yet remains unabashedly mousy and virtuous. While her wealthier cousins run amuck and find themselves entangled in unorthodox relationships, Fanny remains true to herself and knows what is best for her. Most likely to: Be your guidance counselor. |
 | Name: Emma Woodhouse Originated from Jane Austen's: Emma Which is about: A young matchmaker who finds herself in trouble after she tries to set up her best friend with another man. Who she reminds you of: That perky, popular do-gooder at your high school. Why your girlfriend likes her: So what if Emma never learned to follow anybody's guidance but her own? She's still irresistibly charming and like any girl who is content with everything that she has in Highbury, Emma has some serious standards and won't settle for less. Yes, she may have an over-inflated ego, but then again, doesn't everybody? Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Emma is smart. Smarter than you'd expect. She knows how to manipulate people and to get her way, but she is also very loyal. When it come to family, Emma's heart is in the right place. She loves everybody, even the people that she dislikes! But yet she finds a way to put up with everyone with a smile on her face. Most likely to: Be your wingman/woman. |
 | Name: Anne Elliot Originated from Jane Austen's: Persuasion Which is about: An unmarried woman who encounters her former lover after he returns from battle. Who she reminds you of: That person who tells you, "Don't do it! You'll hurt yourself!" But you do it anyway, and needless to say, she was right. You did in fact, hurt yourself. Why your girlfriend likes her: Anne finds herself unfortunately not the center of her family's attention. She is undervalued, which makes her sympathetic enough, but she has a good head on her shoulders. When the family's finances look like they're in trouble, Anne must make her decisions based on logic rather than wishful thinking. Why your girlfriend wants to be like her: Anne knows best. She might be easy to persuade but that doesn't excuse the fact that she clearly knows the difference between right and wrong. Her opinions are kept to herself and she's more of a listener than a talker. And when people don't listen to her, she clearly has bragging rights when things go awry to say, "I told you so!" Most likely to: Be your doctor. |
So that takes care of the women in Austen's novels. They are clever, independent and ultimately strive for something bigger and grander in their world.
Not to mention that the most important quality that all of Austen's female protagonists possess is the shared understanding of the capacity for passion and commitment to the concept of romantic love.
After all, what the female protagonists truly learn in the end, is that passion and rationality go hand-in-hand. Sometime one is more overwhelming than the other, but the personal journeys that Catherine, the Dashwood sisters, Elizabeth, Fanny, Emma and Anne all take, is to learn how not to let passion or rationality conquer the other, but rather learn how to have an equal balance between the two.
But alas, that is only the small slice as to why women love Jane Austen.
Let's move on to the nitty-gritty of what women really like about Jane Austen's novels.
Men, prepare yourselves.
Because what I'm about to introduce to you next, might unman you:
Not to mention that the most important quality that all of Austen's female protagonists possess is the shared understanding of the capacity for passion and commitment to the concept of romantic love.
After all, what the female protagonists truly learn in the end, is that passion and rationality go hand-in-hand. Sometime one is more overwhelming than the other, but the personal journeys that Catherine, the Dashwood sisters, Elizabeth, Fanny, Emma and Anne all take, is to learn how not to let passion or rationality conquer the other, but rather learn how to have an equal balance between the two.
But alas, that is only the small slice as to why women love Jane Austen.
Let's move on to the nitty-gritty of what women really like about Jane Austen's novels.
Men, prepare yourselves.
Because what I'm about to introduce to you next, might unman you:
Oh yes.
The men of Austen's novels are only part of the heartbeat of what makes Austen's novels so wonderful to read.
Fantasies of regency courtship all originate here with these six men.
So let's really see if your girlfriend sees you more as a Darcy, a Tilney or a Wentworth.
Or, you know, what male protagonist from Austen's novels she expects you to be like.
Let's hope you live up to your girlfriend's expectations:
The men of Austen's novels are only part of the heartbeat of what makes Austen's novels so wonderful to read.
Fantasies of regency courtship all originate here with these six men.
So let's really see if your girlfriend sees you more as a Darcy, a Tilney or a Wentworth.
Or, you know, what male protagonist from Austen's novels she expects you to be like.
Let's hope you live up to your girlfriend's expectations:
 | Name: Henry Tilney Originated from Jane Austen's: Northanger Abbey Who he reminds you of: The class clown. What your girlfriend sees in him: Sure, he'll never be prom king, but what does your girlfriend care? He's a jokester and seems to know the right things to say at the right time. He makes her smile and he's very witty with his words. What you girlfriend expects you to learn from him: To be a good influence and to correct your faulty assumptions about people. Furthermore, your girlfriend encourages you to use your common sense every once in a while. Just saying. Most likely to: Steal your girlfriend. |
  | Names: Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon Originated from Jane Austen's: Sense and Sensibility Who they remind you of: Edward would probably remind you of that hipster in high school who was always laid back and only wanted to live a simple life. Colonel Brandon would remind you of that overachiever in your class who always managed to turn his homework in on time. What your girlfriend thinks of them: Well, right off the bat, Edward Ferrars is a mama's boy. That might seem a turn off for some, but it at least reassures your girlfriend that Edward knows at least how to treat a woman right. Edward is a man without mission. He is free spirited and just loves life. Though he's not spectacularly good looking, he's a dependable guy and stays true to his promises. As for Colonel Brandon, well he maybe a bit older be he is by far the most romantic man out of all of Austen's novels. Quiet, but dignified, Colonel Brandon is sensitive and appreciative for all that life has to offer; and when he says he's in love, he means it and would even fight for it. What your girlfriend expect you to learn from them: Do not be at the mercy of others and make your decisions on your own terms instead of being persuaded by others. Be sensitive, take control and be fearless. Most likely to: Steal your girlfriend. Especially Colonel Brandon. |
 | Name: Fitzwilliam Darcy Originated from Jane Austen's: Pride and Prejudice Who he reminds you of: That really intimidating guy on campus who thinks he's better than everyone else because his parents bought him a Lamborghini for his birthday. What your girlfriend thinks of him: Your girlfriend would probably dump you for Mr. Darcy if she had the chance. I'm sorry, but it's true. Darcy is the perfect gentleman. At first he may not seem like it, but what your girlfriend will later realize is that Darcy is the most triumphant male character Austen has ever written. A man who at first seems so proud, so sure of his status, wealth and position in society, only to be brought down to his knees by the company of the poorer Elizabeth Bennet, a girl who holds an equal amount of wit and cleverness as himself. Darcy takes great pains to keep Elizabeth's vulgar family away from his friends and family, and when he can't deny his feelings any longer, he asks Elizabeth to marry him despite his proud instincts. And when Elizabeth rejects him angrily, Darcy does everything in his power to protect the reputation of Elizabeth's family at great costs. That, is love. You try doing that someday. What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: Be a gentleman and do not base you opinions on anyone due to first impressions. Most likely to: Definitely steal your girlfriend. |
 | Name: Edmund Bertram Originated from Jane Austen's: Mansfield Park Who he reminds you of: That nerd in high school who just wanted to get by. What your girlfriend thinks of him: Unlike Darcy, you might actually have a chance if your girlfriend ever found herself face-to-face with Edmund Bertram. Because Edmund has some unrealistic expectations. He thinks he can score with the hottest woman around instead of realizing that she might be out of his league. Your girlfriend will think he's an idiot for choosing Mary Crawford over Fanny Price, but your girlfriend will be reminded that Edward is the epitome of a morally good character, despite the fact that Mary Crawford only wants to change him for her benefit. Your girlfriend will feel bad for him, then hate him and then hate him some more for dragging her along this emotional roller coaster until he finally mans up and marries Fanny. What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: If she's out of your league, she out of your league. Don't even bother. Most likely to: Put your girlfriend in the friend zone until she begs him to steal her heart. |
 | Name: George Knightley Originated from Jane Austen's: Emma Who he reminds you of: The captain from the debate team who is always right about everything that it angers you so much. What your girlfriend thinks of him: Knightley has an estate that includes most of the property in Highbury, and add that up with the fact that he's also a gentleman. In Jane Austen's world that makes him HOT! Your girlfriend thinks that he's a decent guy and approachable. In fact, Knightley might just be everything that you're not. He's comfortable in his own skin and makes gutsy observations regardless of what others might think of him. His only flaw might just be that he doesn't appreciate what he has until it's threatened to be taken away from him. It finally hits Knightley like a pile of bricks that he might be in love with Emma when he realizes that he might have some competition to win Emma's affections. Yet, the man is dedicated and is willing to sacrifice everything for love. Even Donwell Abbey if it meant being together with his one true love. What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: If you truly love someone, don't say it. Show it. Most likely to: Be your girlfriend's knight in shining armor. |
 | Name: Captain Frederick Wentworth Originiated from Jane Austen's: Persuasion Who he reminds you of: That guy who was a geek in high school and you believed that he wouldn't amount up to anything. Until you guys reconnect at your high school reunion and discover that he's the CEO of Apple Inc. What your girlfriend thinks of him: Wentworth is the one that got away. He's the only one your girlfriend swoons over whenever she thinks of him. No to mention, he writes the most romantic love letters. When was the last time you wrote anything romantic for your girlfriend? With his smirks and class, Wentworth admires a girl who has a firmness of character – which in his mind – means that she is reliable and trustworthy. Just like your girlfriend! Wentworth is a self-made man. True, at first he doesn't have a lot to show, but your girlfriend knows that he's got big things ahead of him. What your girlfriend expects you to learn from him: Make smart decisions, but also be open to change. Most likely to: Be his own boss to a successful world-renowned technological empire. Oh, and steal your girlfriend. |
So, yeah.
If you looked at all six of these men and felt like you've been outmanned by at least one of them, then yes, you do have every right to feel bad about yourself.
These are probably the six men your girlfriend wishes you would be like.
Well, maybe not so much Edmund Bertram because that guy is probably the least romantic man out of all of Austen's novels.
But nevertheless, the male protagonists in Austen's novels are full of integrity and respect.
However, you should know that when reading a Jane Austen novel, there are two types of men you will encounter within the pages:
"The hero" (see above) and "the other man."
"The other man," is the romantic figure who attracts but does not win the heroine at the end of the novel. They all divert the attention of the heroine to arouse the passion or jealously of "the hero" of the novel. "The other man" is also established to provide tension and uncertainty about the heroine's choice and the outcome of events.
Granted Austen's "heroes" improve with acquaintance while "the other men" tend to reveal deeper character flaws the further you get to know them.
And because you are men, and are probably getting very hungry at this point in the blog, I'm going to go easy on you this time and introduce to you "the other men" to Austen's novels . . . while also comparing them to some very unhealthy Fast Food places.
These are men that your girlfriend absolutely DOES NOT want you to be.
And also the Fast Food places your girlfriend would preferable have you stop eating at:
If you looked at all six of these men and felt like you've been outmanned by at least one of them, then yes, you do have every right to feel bad about yourself.
These are probably the six men your girlfriend wishes you would be like.
Well, maybe not so much Edmund Bertram because that guy is probably the least romantic man out of all of Austen's novels.
But nevertheless, the male protagonists in Austen's novels are full of integrity and respect.
However, you should know that when reading a Jane Austen novel, there are two types of men you will encounter within the pages:
"The hero" (see above) and "the other man."
"The other man," is the romantic figure who attracts but does not win the heroine at the end of the novel. They all divert the attention of the heroine to arouse the passion or jealously of "the hero" of the novel. "The other man" is also established to provide tension and uncertainty about the heroine's choice and the outcome of events.
Granted Austen's "heroes" improve with acquaintance while "the other men" tend to reveal deeper character flaws the further you get to know them.
And because you are men, and are probably getting very hungry at this point in the blog, I'm going to go easy on you this time and introduce to you "the other men" to Austen's novels . . . while also comparing them to some very unhealthy Fast Food places.
These are men that your girlfriend absolutely DOES NOT want you to be.
And also the Fast Food places your girlfriend would preferable have you stop eating at:
 | Name: John Thorpe Originated from Jane Austen's: Northanger Abbey Why your girlfriend hates him: Talk about having the mouth of a sailor! All John Thorpe does is swear and insult people. In addition, he is by far the worlds worst conversationalist. All he ever goes on and on about are his horses and carriages and will never ever in a million years admit that he is wrong about anything. He's uptight and insufferable to be around! Fast Food connection: Chipotle Why: When innocent Catherine Morland is first introduced to John she kinda liked him at first. But the more she got to know him, the more annoying he became. Kinda like when you order a burrito at Chipotle. At first you're starving, and those burritos on Chipotle's menu look and sound delicious, so you order one. And then when you try to work your way through that burrito you start to feel more and more sick. You thought that burrito would be delicious and sit comfortably in your belly. But no. By the end you absolutely hate yourself for eating that damn burrito. |  |
 | Name: John Willoughby Originated from Jane Austen's: Sense and Sensibility Why your girlfriend hates him: Willoughby is a serious player and a major pick-up artist. In his wake he leaves a trail of broken hearts all while jumping from one girl to the next. On the outside, he's everything that Marianne could ever want in a man: He's handsome, rich and has a deep love for music and poetry. On the inside, however, he's unfaithful, riddled with debts and is up to no good debauchery. Fast Food connection: Subway Why: It's no surprise that he seems nice. He's almost like Subway. All the ads that Subway runs make it seem like it's healthy, what with its famous $5 footlong and . . . Hey look at that! If you order a $5 footlong you get a free drink, a bag of chips and a cookie! OH MY GOD! THIS PLACE IS PERFECT! Oh, sorry. I meant that Subway gives off the impression that it's healthy, when really, it's just like the rest of the "villains" in Austen's novels. |  |
  | Names: George Wickham and William Collins Originated from Jane Austen's: Pride and Prejudice Why your girlfriend hates them: Wickham is seemingly the perfect gentleman from a poor family, but then suddenly turns out to be an utter and complete nightmare. Not to mention – hindsight here speaking – that the name "Wickham" sounds a lot similar to the word "wicked." Just pointing that out for you. What makes your girlfriend absolutely hate him, is the fact that he's super charming, really good-looking and generally delightful to be around. And before you know it, he elopes with Lydia and doesn't even marry her immediately! He just waits until someone gives in to essentially pay him off to marry Lydia. What an asshole. And then there's goddamn Mr. Collins who is boorish, pompous and believes that he's God's gift to man. Fast Food Connections: McDonald's Why: McDonald's is king, okay. We all get that Micky D's is the most popular Fast Food place to go to. But like Mr. Collins they sometimes think that they're king of the rock, that you should be grateful that they have the best French fries in the world and that without them you would suffer. As much as you hate this part of McDonald's, do you know what you end up finding yourself doing next? You find yourself in line at McDonalds ordering one of their super size packs of French fries. They're just so delicious, okay! And like Wickham, you know that whatever you order at McDonald's is going to be bad for you. But do you always go back to it when it's right there for you? Unfortunately, you do. |  |
 | Name: Henry Crawford Originated from Jane Austen's: Mansfield Park Why your girlfriend hates him: Henry Crawford is everything that your girlfriend almost wants in a guy. Expect for the fact that he's the classic: "I'm going to make this nerdy girl fall in love at me just for kicks" and then later, he finds himself actually in love with her. Kind of like a cliché. But that's beside the point. What your girlfriend really dislikes about him is that he acts like a total do-gooder, when really, he's just a total douchebag. At first he's head over heels in love with Fanny Price until he suddenly jumps ship and elopes with the already married Maria Bertram. He's a slipper character, that one. Fast Food Connection: Taco Bell Why: What is the most frustrating characteristic about Henry is the fact that he's so close to being an all-around great guy. He's got some serious potential, but he has some serious flaws. He's vain and arrogant and he has way too much fun manipulating other people. But when he does show off some of his better, nicer qualities, you really find yourself rooting for the guy. But then when he slips up and reveals his more darker qualities, you're suddenly regret thinking that he's a steady guy. He's not exactly the best guy for you to marry, but he would be an incredible late night booty-call. Sorta like Taco Bell. You know Taco Bell is bad for you, but when you're out partying late at night and find yourself belligerently drunk, you start to have those cravings. You know what I'm taking about. Those mouthwatering tacos made from Nacho Cheese Doritos® Chips or even the Double Decker Taco Supreme®. You just NEED to have one! Sure, Taco Bell will fulfill your drunken needs, but by the next morning, your stomach will hate you. But guess what? Next Friday night when you go out again will your pals, who you gonna turn to when your feel fully intoxicated? Taco Bell, all the way! |  |
 | Name: Frank Churchill Originated from Jane Austen's: Emma Why your girlfriend hates him: He's the guy that everyone in town feels like they know everything about him, without actually really meeting him to begin with. But everyone talks up Frank Churchill like he's 2Pac. Is he real? Is he alive? Whatever. The point is, that it is Frank's ambiguity that makes him seem so fascinating at first. Notice the emphasis on the word "seem." He's handsome (check), witty (check), and absolutely charming (double check!). He's perfect! But if there's one thing you should learn from Jane Austen, it's that when thinks start to seem like they're too perfect, it can't all be true. And that's when you suddenly realize that you may not want to trust Frank, despite the fact that he's picture perfect. He's dependent solely on his cranky rich aunt and he is sort of oblivious to the fact that his fiancée undergoes a lot of pain when she starts noticing Frank flirting with the other women in Highbury. He enjoys his own sense of humor, but continuously finds himself forcing people into awkward situations. Overall, he causes more pain than good. Fast Food Connection: Carl's Jr. / Hardee's Why: Frank Churchill can be quite two-faced at times. One minute he is flirting openly with Emma and playing it cool, but the next minute he has some serious secret agenda which he is willing to protect at all costs. You can't tell which one is the real Frank Churchill until the end of Emma and it can sometimes lead to frustrating conclusions about Frank Churchill's true character. In a way, he might remind you of Carl's Jr. (if you live on the West coast) or Hardee's (if you live on the East coast). Which one are they? Carl's Jr. or Hardee's? They're the same brand with a different name?! WHY CAN'T THEY JUST BE CALLED ONE THING?! But alas, they are Carl's Jr to you in California, yet they change their attitude/name when you meet them as Hardee's in Massachusetts. DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS CONFUSING PEOPLE?! You're either Carl's Jr. or Hardee's. Just pick a side goddamnit and stick to it! |  |
 | Name: William Walter Elliot Originiated from Jane Austen's: Persuasion Why your girlfriend hates him: Mr. Elliot is a total chameleon. He's very good at changing his colors to suit whatever his current circumstances and desires happen to be. In the beginning when he wanted money, he married a rich wife. Later, when he decides he wants a social position AND wealth, he sucks up to his Elliot cousins, hoping to welcome him back into their good graces. He's a conniving social climber and essentially charms his way back into society. Fast Food Connection: Panda Express Why: Yeah it's Chinese food but it at least adapts to the location it finds itself in. You can have Panda Express in the middle of Iowa, but that doesn't make Panda Express any better than whether you eat it in Los Angeles or New York. It's still crap, but it gets its name out there though. Not to mention, just like the changeability of Mr. Elliot's character, its sort of hard to tell if this faux Chinese food is really worth eating. Sure, it might look good and smell good. But regardless, it is NOT REAL CHINESE food. It's Americanized-Chinese food, adapted to be served to its American customers. Panda Express always yearns after the authenticity of their food that real Chinese restaurants serve. Yet, in the end, they never make the change that they always say will happen at Panda Express. Unfortunately, they're true nature is to target Americans by serving the same Americanized-Chinese food day in and day out. |  |
So if that didn't motivate you to cut back on those Fast Food places, then man, you're truly dedicated.
But I hope through those examples, gave you a rough idea as to what a villain in an Austen novel is like.
Not overtly villainous with a curly mustache, but more along the lines of how their characteristics created an unhealthy relationship between them and the protagonists of Jane Austen's novels.
Hopefully, you do not relate to any of those guys.
That would be awkward.
And by now, you're probably getting pretty sick of all these Jane Austen profiles so I'm just going to cut to the chase on this part.
All you need to know in this final Jane Austen section that I'm going to present to you, is that whatever conflict the protagonists finds themselves in it always leads to one important thing:
Marriage!!!
Hooray!
Anyway . . .
But I hope through those examples, gave you a rough idea as to what a villain in an Austen novel is like.
Not overtly villainous with a curly mustache, but more along the lines of how their characteristics created an unhealthy relationship between them and the protagonists of Jane Austen's novels.
Hopefully, you do not relate to any of those guys.
That would be awkward.
And by now, you're probably getting pretty sick of all these Jane Austen profiles so I'm just going to cut to the chase on this part.
All you need to know in this final Jane Austen section that I'm going to present to you, is that whatever conflict the protagonists finds themselves in it always leads to one important thing:
Marriage!!!
Hooray!
Anyway . . .
Just to oversimplify it for you, all you really need to do is follow along:
So there you have it! Jane Austen in a nutshell.
Although, now that I think about it, it would have just been easier to put these slides at the beginning of the blog to make my point more clearer.
But who cares. If you've read this far into the blog, then congratulations! You're now a semi-Jane Austen expect now.
And by semi, I mean not at all.
Look, I know what you guys think whenever you see someone reading Jane Austen.
Your guy mind officially goes to, "Oh great, she's reading another girly romance novel."
Yes, they are romance novels, but if you actually take the time to pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice for yourself then, you would know that those pages hold so much more than kissy-gooey-romance.
Yes, all of Jane Austen's novels have a happy ending. Yes, all of Jane Austen's novels end with the main character getting married to the man of her dreams.
But they teach you how to defy people's expectation, how to stand out amongst the crowd and how to appreciate the individual that you are.
Furthermore, it's not just the story that is fascinating. It's also the way that Jane Austen writes that really captivates her readers!
For all the solidity and uprightness, Austen's writing technique is all about being sly. She says a lot in her novels with the most words possible. Her long necessary sentences heap up meaning and her language is rich when deciding what words to use next.
People read Pride and Prejudice for the romantic chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. But the people who re-read Pride and Prejudice over and over and over again is because they find a new piece of themselves whenever they pick up that book. They find new details that they didn't even catch in their first read through of the novel and then it changes their whole perception of the characters, of the place and of the time.
It's all about perception and that is the genius about Jane Austen!
It's the fact that you learn more about yourself through her novels.
Anyway, I hope that you at least have a new understanding to Jane Austen and her characters.
So go out into the world!
Be Tilneys, Brandons, Ferrars, Darcys, Edmunds, Knightleys and Wentworths!
Go out there and show off your new profound view of Jane Austen.
And if you hear anyone insult Colonel Brandon, you just go up to them and be all: Excuse me?
Although, now that I think about it, it would have just been easier to put these slides at the beginning of the blog to make my point more clearer.
But who cares. If you've read this far into the blog, then congratulations! You're now a semi-Jane Austen expect now.
And by semi, I mean not at all.
Look, I know what you guys think whenever you see someone reading Jane Austen.
Your guy mind officially goes to, "Oh great, she's reading another girly romance novel."
Yes, they are romance novels, but if you actually take the time to pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice for yourself then, you would know that those pages hold so much more than kissy-gooey-romance.
Yes, all of Jane Austen's novels have a happy ending. Yes, all of Jane Austen's novels end with the main character getting married to the man of her dreams.
But they teach you how to defy people's expectation, how to stand out amongst the crowd and how to appreciate the individual that you are.
Furthermore, it's not just the story that is fascinating. It's also the way that Jane Austen writes that really captivates her readers!
For all the solidity and uprightness, Austen's writing technique is all about being sly. She says a lot in her novels with the most words possible. Her long necessary sentences heap up meaning and her language is rich when deciding what words to use next.
People read Pride and Prejudice for the romantic chemistry between Elizabeth and Darcy. But the people who re-read Pride and Prejudice over and over and over again is because they find a new piece of themselves whenever they pick up that book. They find new details that they didn't even catch in their first read through of the novel and then it changes their whole perception of the characters, of the place and of the time.
It's all about perception and that is the genius about Jane Austen!
It's the fact that you learn more about yourself through her novels.
Anyway, I hope that you at least have a new understanding to Jane Austen and her characters.
So go out into the world!
Be Tilneys, Brandons, Ferrars, Darcys, Edmunds, Knightleys and Wentworths!
Go out there and show off your new profound view of Jane Austen.
And if you hear anyone insult Colonel Brandon, you just go up to them and be all: Excuse me?
Make sure you set the record straight with them.
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