#though elinor is my favourite heroine

[ten-cent-sleuth]

@queen-vessaraia-ashlynne

Which is your favourite?

I’ve redrawn my stack of Austen books to get the image quality high enough to be a shirt/tote!

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[bethanydelleman]

Is Your Heroine a TRUE Heroine?

In the first chapter of Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen lays out all the criteria of being a HEROINE, almost all of which poor Catherine Morland does not meet. I have adapted these criteria into a simple yes or no test, which you can apply to your favourite heroine. Here is the test and the results for some Jane Austen, Brontë, and Gaskell heroines/female characters

Abusive parent/guardian - 1 point for each abusive parent or guardian, Dead parents - 1 point for each dead parent, and then 1 point for each of the following: Great Personal Beauty, Poor family, Heroic care of animals/nature, Taste for gardens, Extraordinarily intelligent, Plays music/sings, Draws/does art, Focused on schooling, Calm and quiet, Reads poetry

There are 12 criteria, though the possible score can be higher (for example, if you have lost a mother, father, and stepmother, that would count as 3 dead parents)

Jane Eyre, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Heroine Score: 11

Helen Graham, The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë  Heroine Score: 10

Jane Fairfax, Emma by Jane Austen, Heroine Score: 9

Agnes Grey, Agnes Grey by Anne Brontëm, Heroine Score: 9

Anne Elliot, Persuasion by Jane Austen,  Heroine Score: 8

Mary Crawford, Mansfield Park by Jane Austen, Heroine Score: 8

Molly Gibson, Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell and Fanny Price of Mansfield Park by Jane Austen Heroine Score: 7

Heroine Score: 6, Emma Woodhouse of Emma, Marianne Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility, Elinor Tilney of Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, and Cynthia Kirkpatrick, Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

And then with Heroine Scores of 5 or less, we have Elinor Dashwood (5) of Sense and Sensibility, Catherine Morland (2) of Northanger Abbey and Jane & Elizabeth Bennet (2) of Pride and Prejudice

Example Data:

Disclaimer: you must use your own judgement for some answers. For example, does Anne Elliot count as poor since her father is heavily in debt? Also, some data is not readily available, we don’t know if Elizabeth Bennet reads poetry or not (my guess is no).These are my best estimates given the available data in each novel. Also, Jane Eyre is generally calm and quiet, she just has explosions sometimes, so I gave her that point.

Please add ratings of your own heroines if you want! I haven’t read Wuthering Heights so I can’t do the heroine scores.

[medealikethesorceress]

As a classical student, I find it fun to try to think of what attributes ancient artists might give my favourite characters today if they were to depict them in art to distinguish them from one another. Here are some things I'd think to give the Austen heroines:

Catherine Morland: Book (obviously)

Elinor Dashwood: A stoic-looking mask. An abacus to symbolise her sense, alternatively.

Marianne Dashwood: Horse (a reference to Willoughby's present as well as her marrying the military man Brandon) A paintbrush/instrument to symbolise her sensibility, alternatively.

Anne Elliot: Something maritime. Maybe a model ship, a signaling flag, a spyglass, etc.

Emma Woodhouse: A mirror (fairly obvious symbolism)

Fanny Price: Theater binoculars (a reference to her comparatively passive and observational role in the story as well as her refusal to participate in the staging of Lovers' Vows)

As for the Bennets, I'll be honest and say that nothing really came to mind. I couldn't think of any major props nor anything to symbolise them as characters. I'm sure it exists though.

Please let me know if you have more ideas!

[thejellyjester]

As Jane Austen summer turned into autumn for some, but was suspended for others I present my draft on Northanger Abbey. This was written one hot August night, in the midst of my Austenmania. I hope my fellow readers enjoy!

Northanger Abbey thoughts

We can rest assured that this 200-year-old novel has been discussed in a lot more comprehensible, thorough and superior ways than what you are about to read. These trivial reflections are, therefore, purely for the enjoyment of Austen Summer participants. 

Northanger Abbey is said to not be on the same level as the other five Austen novels, however I can’t help but find some aspects of the book very endearing. Even though this novel lacks depth of later works by Austen it makes up for in feeling  particularly youthful and passionate. What makes this book notable among the rest is the addition of gothic elements and first person narration. 

The melange of genres was my favourite part of the book. Even if the gothic fiction elements felt underdeveloped in the end, they created a new atmosphere and feeling, not usually present in any Austen books. It also served greatly for the characterisation of Catherine.

The heroine

Admittedly, one of the most intriguing aspects of the book. The very first sentence tells us that you wouldn’t expect a girl like Catherine Morland to be a heroine of a Jane Austen novel. Catherine is naive, ignorant and uninformed, the opposite of Elizabeth Bennet for example. To me, Catherine is the ultimate idealistic teen girly. She gets lost in literature and can’t always tell real life and fiction apart, always seeking to find the romantic nature of literature in real life. Her affinity for gothic fiction helps paint her as…, but ultimately pokes fun at her naivete. While it is easy to recognise oneself in many Jane Austen’s heroines it is particularly Catherine's romanticised view of the world, her search for fantasy and secrets as well as general fondness for antiquity that makes her so endearing to me. That being said, I can find no reason why Henry Tilney would marry her.

The romance

Yes yes, I love Henry Tilney and I love Catherine Morland, but the two of them together…? They are quite plainly the opposite of one another. Mr Tilney is witty and sarcastic and Catherine simply does not know what sarcasm is. Catherine is open and honest and Tilney is subtle and witty. Of course, being completely in agreement on all points is not necessary for marriage but I cannot foresee much felicity for this couple. Eventually, one will get tired of not being understood or the other of not understanding. Worst of all, Austen seems aware of this. In the final chapters she quite literally says that they get married because Tilney is grateful for Catherine’s affection? I fail to see how this is grounds for an Austenian marriage. Hopefully, I am currently unable to see some aspect of this that could explain my confusion. That being said, my opposition to this pairing did little do diminish the enjoyment of the courting. I have to admit that I was kicking my feet when Mr Tilney arrived in Fullerton (by the way, how interesting and fun was the use of Mrs. Morland’s POV for that moment?!).

The conclusion of this book falls in line with others of Austen, meaning it takes a chapter and all story lines are generally tied together. This particular conclusion felt even shorter or more forced than the other ones. Why was there suddenly a love interest for Elinor?

...

[siriusist]

Can you explain why Anne Elliot is your favourite Austen heroine?

Surely! (This literally took like, two and half hours of writing and editing. What is my life).

Background:

So, essentially, to get into this analysis, I have to preface this with Persuasion being written in 1817, near the end of Austen’s life and published six months after her death. Really, if you compare the type of satirical protagonists she was writing at the beginning of her career (see Northanger Abbey, which convinced my entire English Literature 2 class in university that Austen was insipid despite being prefaced as a gothic parody), to later, Pride and Prejudice, to Persuasion, I think it really traces the development of Austen as a writer (Austen referred to her in one of her letters as “a heroine who is almost too good for me.”)

Not to say she didn’t have more ‘mature’ protagonists early on; Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility is really my second favourite protagonist from Austen’s works, and she is essentially the one person in the Dashwood household who keeps everything together; without her, the entire operation would fall apart. It’s the reason why she’s the ‘sense’ in the aforementioned title.

But where Anne Elliot differs I think, is that Elinor, despite being the ‘older’ sister, is never really seen as being devoid of prospects in regards to her future and marriage, despite the family falling on hard times. Anne, on the other hand, is actually a marked difference from Austen’s usual protagonists. Whereas her other protagonists are usually concerned with climbing the social ladder of society (or essentially, scorning the playing of this game in society, but still knowing it’s expected of her anyway (See Lizzie Bennet), Anne is from a noble family that due to her father Sir Walter Elliot’s vanity and selfishness, is on its descent down on the social ladder, a caricature of the old, outdated, titled class in a world of new British industry. 

Sir Walter Scott, and the Changing Ideal of The Gentlemen in Society:

This is another place where Jane Austen differs in her characterisation and brings up an important contrast that is lacking in her other work to an extent in terms of her other main heroines: while the other heroines are more concerned with upward mobility through marriage because that is what society has expected of them, Anne Elliot’s father (who’s will dominates her own), is concerned with DOWNWARD mobility. The idea that he will be seen as ‘lesser than’ for allowing his daughter to marry someone she loves. 

The difference is, is where you have CHOICE to an extent in a burgeoning middle class family, even if you were marrying for money, you have that upward mobility. You have opportunities. When your family is so focused on maintaining the facade of an untouchable deity, you are literally frozen into that mold, even if you want to be a part of that changing world and changing model of what should be considered an ‘ideal’ match, or a modern pairing.

While unadvantageous matches are dismissed in other Austen works, it is often due to the person having some fault of character (I.E: Philanderer, drunkard, etc.) that’s obviously not going to change anytime soon, and what someone is, to an extent, able to control. People are able to control whether they cheat on someone or not; people are able to control showing up and embarrassing themselves at social functions if they have an inkling of self-awareness. And these matches are usually rejected outright because of the family’s concern for the daughter’s feelings (See Lizzie and Mr. Collins, for example, even though it would be an advantageous match (-INSERT LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH QUOTE HERE-)

But the sad thing in Anne’s case, I think, is that it shows the dying breed of noblewomen, who, once they get ‘older,’ have nowhere to go but down socially if they don’t become a ‘spinster’ or completely devoted to their family household and name. These older, more distinguished families during 1817, were slowly and surely becoming more and more obsolete, and I think it’s VERY astute of Austen to recognise that. Men could now make their fortune at sea- they COULD be “new money.” More and more, these noble people who didn’t work and didn’t have a profession besides being a member of the landed gentry, were becoming more and more dated in the movement of England towards mechanisation and the new Victorian age of industry. 

‘Captain Wentworth is the prototype of the ‘new gentleman.’ Maintaining the good manners, consideration, and sensitivity of the older type, Wentworth adds the qualities of gallantry, independence, and bravery that come with being a well- respected Naval officer.

Like Admiral Croft, who allows his wife to drive the carriage alongside him and to help him steer, Captain Wentworth will defer to Anne throughout their marriage. Austen envisions this kind of equal partnership as the ideal marriage.’

Meanwhile Sir Walter does not present this same sort of guidance for the females in his life. He is so self-involved that he fails to make good decisions for the family as a whole; his other two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, share his vanity and self-importance. While Anne is seen as a direct parallel with her good-natured (dead) mother, she still has to deal with these outdated morals, before coming her true self. She still has to learn to support her own views, even if they are contrary to those in a position of power in her life, and essentially, dominate her day-to-day dealings and her actual character of how she defines herself.

Becoming One’s Self: Learning Self-Assurance and The Positives of ‘Negative’ Qualities:

The one thing I do love about Anne is that she doesn’t have a ‘weakness of character,’ contrary to Wentworth’s bitter words which are clearly directed at her when they first meet again after so long. That’s one thing I usually see (predominantly male) commentators say Anne’s fault is as a female protagonist is as simple as a reading of the title; namely, that she’s too easily persuaded.

However, that’s an overtly simplistic view. Often people directly correlate an individual being persuaded as simply being ‘weak-willed.’ Anne Elliot is anything but. She constantly rebels against the vanity of her father and the stupidity of her sisters, at the same time being aware of the social structure in which they must operate. She is the individual at the beginning of the novel who is dealing directly with money; and while this was at the time often seen as a ‘man’s’ role, it is Anne taking control of getting their family back into good stead and out of debt after her dippy father gets them into debt and remains completely useless throughout the entire procedure except to complain about who they might let the house out to, simply because they ARE ‘new money.’ She IS open to new roles in society, and new conventions. 

This leads directly to the biggest criticism levelled against her at the beginning of the novel: that after being dismissed by Anne, Captain Wentworth basically publicly declares (because #bitteraf) that ‘any woman he marries will have a strong character and independent mind.’

The funny thing is, Anne already has these. She never lacked them. ‘What ‘persuasion’ truly refers to is whether it is better to be firm in one’s convictions or to be open to the suggestions of others.  

‘The conclusion implies that what might be considered Anne’s flaw, her ability to be persuaded by others, is not really a flaw at all. It is left to the reader to agree or disagree with this. ‘

Anne is not stupid in that she is convinced or persuaded by any Joe Schmow who comes along; she considers the opinions of those she respects. She ultimately comes to the right decision in marrying Wentworth later in life, but it’s understandable how a nineteen year old would doubt this decision when advised by those adults around her. It is now that she is older, in considering other people’s opinions, that she is more likely able to come to her decision herself, rather than letting other people’s opinions overweigh her own.

‘Anne is feminine in this way while possessing none of what Austen clearly sees as the negative characteristics of her gender; Anne is neither catty, flighty, nor hysterical. On the contrary, she is level-headed in difficult situations and constant in her affections. Such qualities make her the desirable sister to marry; she is the first choice of Charles Musgrove, Captain Wentworth, and Mr. Elliot.’

Ageism: Austen’s Hinting at an Age-Old Philosophy against the Modern Woman:

At twenty-seven, Anne is literally considered a woman ‘far past her bloom of youth.’ She is constantly surrounded by younger women, both demonstrating interest in her father and in Wentworth. While ageism wasn’t clearly developed as a recognised societal practice in the 19th century, I think it demonstrates, when Jane wrote this so close to her death, and having never married herself, the pressures on women in society even later in life. This is seen more bluntly in the character of Charlotte Lucas in Pride and Prejudice, but I think the fact that people constantly remind Anne of something she cannot control could arguably draw parallels to social status and how birth status cannot be controlled, by a more modern reading of the piece. Women cannot control ageing, any more than a man can control being born into a lower class. But while men could continue to marry for upward mobility or money (up to ridiculous ages and with ridiculously younger wives), women don’t have that luxury once they are ‘past their prime,’ even if they also have the avenue of upward mobility through marriage (see Charlotte Lucas again).

Lost Love, aka THEY TOTALLY MIGHT HAVE BONED BUT PROBABLY NOT:

“There could have never been two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved. Now they were as strangers; nay, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted. It was a perpetual estrangement.” 

The best thing about Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot’s love story is that we already knew they WERE in love; as opposed to all her other stories, which involve individuals arguably falling INTO love rather than HAVING been in love (Looking’ at you, Mansfield Park), Wentworth x Anne Elliot was a THING. They were a hot and HEAVY thing. 

I essentially have nothing to add here except that makes their entire story 10000000x more painful when they clearly still have feelings for one another and have to run in the same social circles.

That is all.

Separate Spheres: AKA LETS ALL HELP EACH OTHER MMKAY AND BE EQUAL PARTNERS IN LOVEEEE:

Lastly, Austen also considers the idea of ‘separate spheres.’

‘The idea of separate spheres was a nineteenth-century doctrine that there are two domains of life: the public and the domestic. Traditionally, the male would be in charge of the public domain (finances, legal matters, etc.) while the female would be in charge of the private domain (running the house, ordering the servants, etc.). 

This novel questions the idea of separate spheres by introducing the Crofts. Presented as an example of a happy, ideal marriage, Admiral and Mrs. Croft share the spheres of their life. Mrs. Croft joins her husband on his ships at sea, and Admiral Croft is happy to help his wife in the chores around the home. They have such a partnership that they even share the task of driving a carriage. Austen, in this novel, challenges the prevailing notion of separate spheres.’

As mentioned before, from the beginning of the novel, as a noblewoman, Anne is already crossing the line of separate spheres by undertaking financial and legal matters since her father is essentially too much of a pussy to do so (this antiquated ideal of gentlemanly qualities). She has already made a discreet step into the public domain by her actions, without ever really truly making a bold statement. 

By the insertion of the Crofts within the narrative, it really foreshadows how this sort of relationship can work as equals, and how such an amalgamation of the spheres should not be looked down upon. It’s a subtly progressive message that none of the other books really deal with (besides perhaps a tad in Sense and Sensibility with Elinor), and I love her all the more for it.  ♥

[queenofchildren]

So I just saw your post about the 1995 Emma Thompson Sense and Sensibility being a favorite of yours and omg it hit me - what about a Rosvolio Sense and Sensibility AU?!? With Rosaline as Elinor and Livia as Marianne (Paris could totally be Willoughby, Stella as Lucy Steele, etc.)??? You write Rosvolio sooo well and I’d love to see your take on them in Austen’s world (but please don’t feel pressured to write this- this is me just having a “ohhh it would be wonderful if this existed” moment lol).

So, I tend to keep asks with story ideas in my inbox in case I actually do the stories and want to tell the prompting person about it, but I think on this one, I’m drawing a blank. I loved the idea, but I’ve written a Regency AU before (for another ship) and it is sooo much work for research, adopting a somewhat appropriate style etc., so I don’t really see myself finding the time.

That said: Paris as Willoughby and Livia as Marianne is genius, as is Rosaline as Elinor - Rosaline is similar to Elinor in many ways I think, such as her level-headedness and her protectiveness of her family, which is why they are both some of my favourite fictional heroines. And I guess Benvolio might lend himself in some ways to an Edward Ferrars, who is being controlled by his family in order to further the family fortune and name instead of following his heart, even though otherwise they’re quite different in their characters.

You know, now that I think about it.... Maybe I’ll get tempted to write it after all. Some day.

Anyway, thank you for the ask and for reading my Rosvolio fics, and please excuse the long delay for this reply.

[dxmedstudent]

Weird Asks that Say a Lot  Meme...

My friend the wonderful @meanwhileonwednesday suggested I fill out Every even number for the 'weird asks that say a lot', so here I am. Thanks, friend! XD

2. chocolate bars or lollipops?

Chocolates.

4. how did your elementary school teachers describe you?

At my first school? Artistically talented and perceptive (one teacher was very vividly impressed by my grasp of duck anatomy at like 5 years old). Then there’s the teacher at my new school who thought I had special needs because I was withdrawn (I was being bullied by most of the class, really); she was a new teacher and not really equipped to deal with that. By the end of primary school, I went back to being commended on my work ethic and smarts and artistic ability.

6. pastel, boho, tomboy, preppy, goth, grunge, formal or sportswear?

Hmmm I think my work clothes are mostly a formal/preppy mix. With a little bit of boho thrown in, particularly when I’m at home.

8. movies or tv shows?

I prefer movies, because they represent a lot less commitment (America, please stop giving everything like 17 seasons, I beg of you!), however TV show episodes are shorter and easier to slot into your life than a full movie.

10. game you were best at in p.e.?

I was generally awful in PE. I liked benchball, can’t say that I was good in it, being yet another game where being short doesn’t do you any favours.

12. name of your favorite playlist?

Either my Kickass playlist, or my Reflective playlist.

14. favorite non-chocolate candy?

Starburst.

16. most comfortable position to sit in?

Curled up, on my side, in a nice big armchair with my legs hanging off the side. Surrounded by pillows, and probably a cat or two.

18. ideal weather?

Picture this: it’s a sunny day; warm but not too hot. Maybe around 24 degrees celsius. There’s a warm breeze; it’s not stifling, and it’s not cold enough to make you shiver. The trees rustle with the sound of the wind; change is in the air. You can go out in short sleeves, perhaps with the thinnest of cardigans if like me your metabolism basically died 300 years ago.

20. preferred place to write (i.e., in a note book, on your laptop, sketchpad, post-it notes, etc.)?

Depends on what I’m writing. I am the kind of ineffectual person who starts to write tings in a notebook, but also a couple of word docs. I have post- it notes for important things. I document ideas for my comic in a note/sketch book. I love doodling in my sketchbooks.

22. role model?

I never really had one, growing up. I guess the closest I’d get is David Attenborough.

24. favorite crystal?

My birthstone is ruby (which is red; my favourite colour!) however I also love opals; I love their irdescent (OK, opalescent, technically) sparkliness and the way they shimmer with lots of colours. I don’t see why everyone prefers massive diamonds when opals are like... so much cooler. I I don’t actually own any, but maybe one day I’ll be able to buy myself a nice one.

26. favorite activity to do in warm weather?

Go for a nice long walk, take lots of pictures, have a picnic in the park. No, I lie, my favourite activity is roping someone I care about into doing it all with me, and having even more fun. 

28. five songs to describe you?

Home - Ellie Goulding Fight Song - Rachel Platten Working Woman’s Blues - Valerie June Alive - Bird Set Free My Medea - Vienna Teng

30. places that you find sacred?

Already been answered.

32. top five favorite vines?

Alas, hard to name off the top of my head. I mainly know vines from various compilations.

34. advertisements you have stuck in your head?

Right now? Thankfully none of them.

36. what is the first meme you remember ever seeing?

That’s impossible to say! Memes were a thing before internet memes became a thing. I’d say that ‘S’ shape we all drew in primary school? Nursery rhymes? Who knows.

38. lemonade or tea?

They don’t usually compete for my love, but i have tea more often than lemonade, purely due to availability reasons.

40. weirdest thing to ever happen at your school?

Some students climbed onto the roof.

42. jacket pockets or pants pockets?

Honestly? Skirt pockets. But being a woman, jacket pockets are usually woefully ineffectual and small. Trouser pockets are a bit better, but again usually small. Whereas if someone puts pockets on a skirt, they make sure they are actually proper pockets!

44. favorite scent for soap?

Maybe honey, or roses, or jasmine.

46. most comfortable outfit to sleep in?

A baggy pair of PJs; I’m a dress for comfort kind of girl. Particularly since the places I’ve lived haven’t always been great in the heating department. I’ve been known to sleep in a hoodie when it gets cold.

48. if you were a fruit, what kind would you be?

I would like to be a berry, or maybe an apple. Something pinkish red. Sweet, and a little sharp.

50. what made you laugh the hardest you ever have?

Probably my little brother astounding me with how grown-up he is about things. He’s pretty awesome. Or my mum just saying something wildly, hilariously inappropriate XD

52. favorite font?

I love the Komika font family for my comic. I used to use Bookman Old Style, Book Antiqa, Georgia or classic Arial for essays and things like that, when they didn’t specify Times New Roman.

54. what did you learn from your first job?

Always call the med reg if you are stuck, be nice to the nurses and always help each other. OK, I did lots of volunteering in hospital before FY1. In which case my

56. favorite tradition?

My family/culture have a specific tradition on the morning of an exam/interview/life event where you fill a cup with water and a couple of plant leaves (Slavs love putting greenery into everything). You place it at the threshold,  and give it a good kick it with your dominant foot. It symbolises your knowledge flowing, and I guess it’s a good luck charm.. You also aren’t meant to look back (literally); because you should be focusing on the task at hand. As a kid it was a comforting good luck ritual, and I don’t think I ever really grew out of it.

58. four talents you’re proud of having?

I’m proud of my artistic skills, modest though they are. I enjoy creating, and I enjoy that I can make things to cheer up my friends, or things that people here can relate to.

By extension, I’m good with my hands, and that usually translates to picking up procedures and things like that pretty quickly at work. And yes, I love being able to get that cannula in (especially if it’s on the first go!)  when nobody else can. It’s a tiny, tiny thing, but it sparks a little joy. I can develop good rapports with people; which means I can help them to confide their problems, and can help them to feel better or to address things that are bothering them. It’s really mostly about listening and not being judgemental. I am proud that I can sometimes make people feel better, and feel listened to. I’m proud that I learned to try to work through my feelings. As a young person who was really quite stressed, I somehow learned how to apply what’s basically CBT to keep myself relatively sane, and I think it’s helped me a lot. It was only much later that I realised it was basically CBT when I was comparing notes with friends actually going through those kinds of therapies. I’m not perfect at it, and my mind tests me on a regular basis, but it helps.

60. if you were a character in an anime, what kind of anime would you want it to be?

I don’t know what I’d like to be in? Maybe a Ghibli film. I think I’d like that.  When I was at school, a close friend of mine just turned around and said “OMG, you’re just like an anime character”, to fervent agreement from my peers. I guess they meant one of those chirpy, ditzy shojo anime characters. I can still see myself as some shojo series heroine; frantically trying to keep it together under the pressures of magical girldom, being romantically inept, trying to fight off the baddie of the week whilst learning lessons about getting along with each other, being helpful and not being mean.

62. seven characters you relate to?

Right now? Sophie from Howl’s moving castle, Princess Carolyn from Bojack Horseman, Miranda Otto from D. Gray-Man, Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility, The Red Blood Cell from Cells at Work, Kiki from Kiki’s delivery service, and Aggressive Retsuko.

64. favorite website from your childhood?

I used to love looking at other people’s art on Elfwood or Deviantart.

66. favorite flower(s)?

Today I’m feeling the answer is lilacs.

68. worst flavor of any food or drink you’ve ever tried?

Ugh anything bitter.

70. left or right handed?

I’m ridiculously right handed, but I’ve learned to use my left hand more effectively because of procedures etc. I’m really good with my hands, but my right hand takes over like 80% of the work.

72. worst subject?

PE in school, biochemistry at university.

74. at what pain level out of ten (1 through 10) do you have to be at before you take an advil or ibuprofen?

At home, maybe a 3, because I don’t see the point in suffering needlessly. However at work I’ll do whatever it takes to keep functional including taking pain relief before it gets bad because I don’t want to have to deal with pain and an on-call. I’m not sure if the scale is logarithmic? I’d rate the worst pain that I’ve had 5 ot a 6, and that made me vomit and curl up into a ball and basically unable to do anything. But I can imagine pain that’s much, much worse than that was, so perhaps I just can’t thin

76. what’s your favorite potato food (i.e. tater tots, baked potatoes, fries, chips, etc.)?

This kind of new potato salad my mum makes with onions. Raw onions are totally a trigger food for my IBS, and any time my mum feeds me anything full of onions, she’ll tell me I can take them out if they upset my tummy. And every single time I’ll pile even more onions into my plate because there’s no way I’m letting my gut dictate my life. Turns out, I’m even more stubborn than my IBS; I just don’t want to give up some of the foods that set things off. My GP once recommended a FODMAP diet, and having had a look at all the stuff I’d have to cut, I resolved I’d only start cutting things if my symptoms got really bad.

78. coffee from a gas station or sushi from a grocery store?

Honestly, I have no pretentions to snobbery. The best coffee is the one you get when you are about to collapse on a night shift, even if much, much better coffee exists in the world. And the best sushi is the plain supermarket one you get between on-calls to treat yourself, even if the one from a good restaurat is so much nicer.

80. earth tones or jewel tones?

I wear a lot of jewel tones, but I also wear a lot of earth tones, and I don’t really see them as being in competition. Rock all the colours!

82. pc or console?

Phone. XD I don’t play much on either, mainly due to time. Phone has the benefit of being in my pocket when I’m at a loose end on the bus, or at my parents’. I don’t sit down and make time to play, I play games in the stolen minutes here and there when I don’t have much to do.

84. podcasts or talk radio?

Classical music radio in the office (because it’s the most neutral), retro stations in the car (or whatever your guests would like), and podcasts at home when you are by yourself.

84. barbie or polly pocket?

I didn’t have a real Barbie (fairly sure ours were knockoff dolls) but I do have fond memories of making outfits for our toys. Though our favourites were always various little animal models who got into all sorts of adventures.

86. cookies or cupcakes?

Cookies, but it’s a close call. Really, I’d have to say biscuits, since I eat those more often than either of the above.

88. your greatest wish?

For myself? To be happy. For others? Ditto. 

90. luckiest mistake?

Getting into my first degree. Feels like I fell into it, but it set me off on a great path, and I don’t regret that my initial path was far from straightforward.

92. lamps, overhead lights, sunlight or fairy lights?

All of the above.

94. favorite season?

That kind of Spring-Summer interface when all the plants are in bloom, and the weather is warm but not too hot, and the days are long.

96. desktop background?

Arietty’s bedroom from the Ghibli Borrowers film adaptation. I’m a sucker for ghibli aesthetic; usually because my rooms end up similarly haphazardly adorned with cool things. 

98. favorite historical era?

Every era has its own awesomeness. I feel very fondly for the regency period because of all the books I’ve read set in it, likewise the Victorian period. Though both aren’t without their problems. I realised that I style my hair like a Victorian; centrally parted with a neat, low bun at the nape of the neck. XD

I think that might be all the questions! Phew!

[j-abby]

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen I loved rereading this! I had read it twice as a teenager, the first time voluntarily, the second for school. I liked it then, and it has since been my favourite Austen book. I don’t know if it’s reading as an adult, having had a little bit more life experience under my belt, but I just appreciated the subtleties and the humour even more.  1. Who was your favourite character & why?

It’s always going to be Elizabeth Bennet, right? Out of all the Jane Austen heroines I am familiar with, Elizabeth is the one I identify most with. When I read Sense & Sensibility I felt like I was a bit of a mix of Marianne and Elinor. But in P&P, there are enough reasons to love Eliza - she’s loyal to her sister, she’s not fixated with appearance, and she is outspoken - I love her though because I feel like she’s the character I find easiest to put myself in her shoes. Which I think is a sign of a really well-written character. She’s got a bit of a sarcastic inner monologue, she’s quick tempered and she’s stubborn - which I can relate to. I know these aren’t the most “honourable” characteristics, but they are real.

2. What was your favourite chapter?

~ Chapter 43 ~ This is when Elizabeth is travelling with her aunt and uncle and ends up at Pemberley. For those Pride & Prejudice fanatics like myself, need I say more?? But for those who aren’t… This is kind of when Elizabeth starts to realise she doesn’t hate Darcy haha. But also what I truly, truly loved about it was their cute and awkward encounter when they run into each other unexpectedly. 

3. Strong female figure?

I am going to go with Elizabeth again. I think she’s strong because she’s independent for women at the time; she goes walking on her own to Netherfield, which is kind of scandalous to those she meets, and on top of that shows up covered in mud. I just love that she owns herself, her feelings, her beliefs, and doesn’t change herself depending on her company. But she also grows a lot over the course of the book, and growth is always a strength in my book. 

4. What were you left wanting or unexplained?

Nothing, except wanting a sequel haha! Too bad I’m far too late to write to the author. 

5. OTP?

Elizabeth & Mr. Darcy. Obviously. 

6. Possible soundtrack song?

Bon Iver - I Can’t Make You Love Me/Nick of Time 

I imagine this from Darcy’s point of view. 

7. Season?

Summer. I don’t know why it gives me that vibe, P&P just gives me a light, airy feel... It might also have something to do with the fact that there’s so much of Lizzy gallivanting about in nature, or the fact that I always seem to read this book in Summer? 

9. Reminds you of? Nothing. 

10. What did you take from the book overall?

There’s a lot you can take away from Pride & Prejudice, I mean it’s basically in the title. But what stood out to me on this third read was, human nature hasn’t changed. We think we are so different from people of the Regency period, but we have the same motivations and make snap judgments about those we meet.  

11. Recommend?

Yes!!!

12. Favourite quote?

I have two, both said by Elizabeth: “Keep your breath to cool your porridge.” and... “My courage always rises with every attempt to intimidate me.” 

[bethanydelleman]

Which classic lit adaptations capture what you specifically enjoy about the original books?

This is a hard question. I know what my favourite adaptations are but saying what they capture is a little harder.

My favourite classic lit adaptation of all time, bar none, is A Muppet's Christmas Carol. But you have to find the original version where The Love Is Gone song is maintained (my poor VHS eventually died) I'm not sure what that says about me, but I watch it every Christmas Eve. I feel like it really captures the pathos you are supposed to feel for the Cratchit family and Scrooge has a very believable redemption arc. It also does this wonderful job of showing how Scrooge has been missing out on joy. But that book is not one of my favourites... (I think I’ve read it once)

I actually think the more I love the original work, the less I like the adaptations. Because it is so hard for a movie to capture the whole story and it’s hard even for a mini to show every facet of the characters. I love Mansfield Park and I think a lot about the characters, so I wonder if any adaptation could sufficiently capture them in a way that would satisfy me!

Which is not to say that I don’t appreciate Classic Lit adaptations, I do! I really love some of them. Pride & Prejudice 2005 is what brought me to Jane Austen. But I also think they create misconceptions of the characters because inevitably a character gets flattened when you move from text to the screen. There is just so much richness in these amazing books, which is why they are so popular today, that doesn’t translate to film.

A Christmas Carol might work so well in adaptations because it’s short, it has a strong moral message, the characters aren’t terribly complex, and the message is still relevant today. But how to translate Mansfield Park, with it’s largely silent heroine, or The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which explores a very destructive but not very visual form of spousal abuse, those are tricky! And I think it’s very hard to turn these longer books into a comprehensive movie, though it has been done well.

Jane Austen’s text are also tricky because part of what I love is the narrator ripping her own characters to shreds and making super sassy and sarcastic comments and that just doesn’t translate to screen at all. But I also love the strength of her female characters against a society that expects them to do impossible things, like choose to love but also marry with a competency. And I think the movies have trouble explaining how tricky it is for women to walk that line between prudence and avarice.

Anyway, this question is hard because I have a difficult time saying what exactly I specifically enjoy about my favourite classic literatures.... Like I just read Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell and I LOVED IT. But I don’t think I actually can tell you what exactly I liked, I just wanted to keep being with Molly and living in that novel. I don’t know why I love Jane Austen so much, I just do. 

So I think I tend to like bits of things, like how Northanger Abbey 2007 really got Henry Tilney and John Thorpe spot on, but there were other things I think fell short especially within the time constraints. And Emma 2020 and Clueless I really love how they do Emma, even if the story isn’t perfect there either. And Sense & Sensibility 1995 really did a perfect Willoughby for me, even if other elements bother me, like Elinor being far too old.

I hope that was kind of an answer.