I haven't forgotten the book club discussions. Will be pretty busy all weekend long but will make sure to post my response by Sunday. Back to grubbing.
From what I got out of Chapter 1 is Jane getting readers more familiar with the characters of the book, especially Emma. She also describes the relationship between Emma and her father fairly well. In some ways, I could see how this relates to some of our Hmong women. In the earlier years, Hmong young women live at home until they've been asked for their hand in marriage. Her father has some detachment issues when his eldest daughter gets married and moves away. Aside from this, Emma came across as snobbish to me, kind of like a Ms. Know It All. She would be someone that I couldn't find myself being able to associate with. I can't stand girls like that. I do, however, have respect her for her adoration of her father. I'm quite familiar of Jane Austen's background. In a certain aspect, I would say Ms. Austen does have similarities to her character, Emma. For example, both view marriage as not so much of an opportunity for themselves.
Thoughts?
I enjoyed pride and prejudice, thus I will go and purchase a copy of Emma and join this virtual book club.
Come forth!
I said tomorrow tso. Tonite I'm busy. 8)
My view in life is that someone who tries to make matches is hoping to have someone else make one for her as well. So, Emma's interest in match-making for Ms. Taylor and claims to be interested in making one for Mr. Elton eventually--those are really just signs that she is hoping someone would find her a suitor as well. But that's just my opinion about life.
But Emma's match-making is not a complete match-making. Look at what Mr. Knightley says about it near the end of the chapter. Emma claims she had hoped that Ms. Taylor and Mr. Weston would work out since they first met. But she has not done much to encourage the relationship, has she? She does say she has smoothed out certain things. But Mr. Knightley does not seem convinced that those were enough for match-making. They don't talk about what really constitutes match-making--how many steps are involved, what one really has to do more to consider it one's success in it, etc.They just love to fight with each other, it seems. But Mr. Knightley seems to think Emma has not done enough to deserve calling it her match-making success. Jane Austen does not go deeper into Emma's efforts. Instead, she turns the conversation back to a report on the wedding--just about who cried and who didn't.
Authors really are not that different from their protaganists--or main characters. So, I agree with you, HisMystery, that Jane Austen is very much like Emma. ;D They are interested in putting other into marriages but seem to forget about themselves, correct?
Anyway, Emma's relationship with her father is very intimate, although she seems to think that her father is no match for Ms. Taylor (or Mrs. Weston). Emma addresses him as "papa," and seems to speak softly to him every time. But Jane Austen tells us that her father just can't carry the same conversation with Emma that Ms. Taylor is able to do--even intelligence-wise. Mr. Woodhouse is easily depressed, etc. And there is no one else in not just Hartfield where Emma's house is but all over Highbury--the larger town-like village that Hartfield is also a tiny part of. That is why Emma misses Ms. Taylor so much. Jane Austen calls this moment a "sorrow" for Emma. However, the intimacy between Mr. Woodhouse and Emma are probably unmatched in many other families, either.
I find it interesting that Emma's 21 years in Highbury has gotten her no other friends in that village except for Ms. Taylor. As we are told, Ms. Taylor raised both her and her sister since Emma was five. She was more fond of Emma than with Isabella. Upon Isabella's marriage several years later, Ms. Taylor became closer to Emma. That closeness lasted about 7 years before Ms. Taylor finally married Mr. Weston and moved out. But even before she moved out, there was very little disciplining she imposed on Emma. They were friends such that no others have had, Jane Austen describes. Someone she could say anything to without fear, it seems. Emma respected Ms. Taylor's judgment but also dictated her own. In short, she could speak her mind and yet no one would mind or told her she was wrong. That's probably why Jane Austen says Emma has thought a little too well of herself and that such is sure to "threaten alloy to her many enjoyments" in life. (Such personality devalues her enjoyments in life, that is.) Sounds like she is not going to get along with people. Just look at her fight with Mr. Knightley at the end of the chapter. Perhaps that's what we are going to see more of Emma?
How can I top this when you've already explained it all. ::) Emma is self-assured, self-aware, but also self-deluding at 21 years. We'll have to wait and discover more of her in the upcoming chapters.
Reporter, knuckleheads are distracting and pissing me off so I can't concentrate right now. When is the next discussion due? I feel as if I'm in an english lit class all over again hehe.
Sorry for the delayed response. I went and visit family and forgot the book, however I will post my response later tonight, although Reporter you did such a wonderful already so I do not know whether I can add anything new but will do my best.
In terms of a deadline for the next chapter...I am not fuss
First impression: Although she posseses good intention Emma is conveyed as as a self-absorbed, superficial, spoilt brat who is born into wealth, thus this allows Emma the luxury to focus her attention on idle matters, such as the self-belief that she possesses great skills in match making.
The important people in Emma’s life have allowed her free reign as oppose to providing her with structure and moral guidance. I believe that due to Emma's social status no one dare or had the encourage to tell her "NO". The only exception is Mr Knightly whom is able to see Emma's flaw and tell her so as he is on equal footing with her.
ReporterI do not believe that Emma is utlizing her matchmaking skills on the pretense of hoping someone would match her with someone. I think she's bored and have nothing better to do as a result meddle into other peoples' business. Luck was on her side when she superficially played matchmaker with Miss Taylor and Mr Weston and now base on the successful union she believed that she is the world's greatest matchmaker, but really she lacks foresight and only sees what she want to see.
p.s- please do not mind the grammatical error as this is a rush job....
I will use a modern scenario to illustrate my point. A celebrity in this day and age is upheld in high esteem and achieves a god-like status. Now if the celebrity surrounds herself/himself with the right kind of people despite what fame entails he/she will still be grounded. On the other hand if the celebrity's staff do not have the celebrity interests at heart and continue to say yes..yes..yes. .yes to his/her every whim than unfortunately the celebrity will develop a superior complex.
The latter example I believe relates to Emma. Due to Emma’s status the people around Emma is either beneath her social position, thus their opinion is irrelevant or like Miss Taylor whom is hired to be Emma’s governor bur instead befriend Emma. This impacts Emma’s emotional development because instead of Miss Taylor fulfilling her role as the governor by setting rules and limitation so Emma may develop self-awareness and humility. Miss Taylor in a way encourages Emma’s wayward ways.
To be continue...
Andro,
Join us! :D
You guys are reading Emma? It's probably too late right now. I'll join in for the next book. 8)
Sounds good, Reporter. For some reason, I can't get into the story. I find Emma annoying so I'm hoping that Jane develops this character more in the later chapters. She's 21 and acts like she's 16. Kind of like some 21 year olds nowadays. Then again, I suppose we've all had our immature moments too.
Hismystery
That's my thoughts excatly...
How can a person who possesses intelligence and wit be so wrong?
Reporter you've asked if Ms. Taylor was never hired as Emma's governess, do you think Ms. Taylor would have been Emma's friend?
I.M.O- I do not believe that Emma is the type of person who will go beneath her station to befriend someone without having something to gain.
Hismystery
That's my thoughts excatly...
How can a person who possesses intelligence and wit be so wrong?
Reporter you've asked if Ms. Taylor was never hired as Emma's governess, do you think Ms. Taylor would have been Emma's friend?
I.M.O- I do not believe that Emma is the type of person who will go beneath her station to befriend someone without having something to gain.
p.s- that deadline sounds good to me...
Emma Woodhouse is about 21 years old, lives with a father and a governess but no longer has a mother. Because of her wealthy situation and her upbringing where the adults did not discipline her much, she's been almost a brat.I wouldn’t call her a “brat”, but yes, due to the fact that she has no mother to admonish or reprimand her when she has done something wrong, she has gotten used to getting things her way. She is described as “clever”, so clearly, she is able to think for herself and is able to clearly articulate herself to get what she wants (and this is confirmed in third paragraph.) Also, in the book, the author pointed out that the governess, Miss Taylor, was “less a governess than a friend”, which lead to them more like “sisters”. In addition, this sentence clearly explains it all: in reference to the governess: “the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint”. This is a direct way of saying that the governess was gentle and mild and did not dole out any punishments or set any “rules” to be followed as in a teacher/student relationship normally would. This gave Emma every opportunity to do whatever she pleased, and, although Emma had high regard for her governess’s judgments, she was clearly the “mastermind” of all their activities thus far.
having too much her own way and thinking a little too highly of herself. So says the author. The author sees this as a danger, although it's not clear what that really means. At least not at this point.I’m going to say that the author really was quite clear. It’s called foreshadow, and you know what it means so I won't go into it. Emma is wealthy and secured in her lot in life, as you’ve said, so with this security and stability, the author said that she possesses “the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little well of herself” --- THIS is the foreshadowing of the many conflicts to come because Emma is too stubborn (because she always gets what she wants) and too self-assured to the point of snobbery (as someone said) and too vain in her self-assuranced all due to her wealthy station in life.
--In Chapter 1, we see some descriptions of Emma's backgrounds, her father's situation, Mrs. Weston's marriage and a few others. Mrs. Weston's wedding took place in this chapter. Mr. Knightley appears near the end of the chapter. Mr. Knightley and Emma seem acquainted and had small friendly argument with each other. A friendly argument? How can an argument be friendly? You may ask. Well, that's just my say. You say it how you want it. ;DOk, you said we can say it however we want and I don’t have a term or a phrase, call it a sparring of wits, but I would have to say that Emma and Mr. Knightly, as described in the book, are very familiar with each other and are at ease with each other, so they can joke about and point out each other flaws to one another without being offended. Their rapport is easily seen and felt to be free of any evil or mean intentions. So, when I read this book for the first time, I already knew that Mr. Knightly was going to be voice of reason throughout the book. And he demonstrated it when he asked Emma if she really was “successful” because she actually planned and strategized to get Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston together or was it merely a “lucky guess”. And I’m sure we can all relate to this notion. Sometimes, when something happens, we like to think that we already saw it coming, when, of course, we never went out of way to do anything to make it happen. Know what I mean? LOL
The chapter seems very concerned about the detachment Emma and her father feels in Mrs. Weston's moving out of their house. Not sure what meaning that has for the novel. But the author makes a big issue out of this.I think the author made a “big issue” of this because she wanted to set up the upcoming storyline. We were told that Miss Taylor had been with them for quite a long time and she was practically a part of the family. She was the buffer between father and daughter, plus, she was able to keep everyone lightly entertained because she wasn’t really of blood relation. Does that make sense? So she was able to balance life with the father by being the proper governess and adding some sense of authority (even though we were clearly told that she’s too mild-temper to be of any consesquence) and mother-figure to his daughter; yet at the same time, she was able to be a confidant, a friend, a constant companion that could match Emma in wit. And to add to latter point, Emma profoundly misses Miss Taylor because of the fact that her father was not able to articulate and match her wit to wit. She was “clever” so she needed and depended on Miss Taylor’s equally “clever” personality to keep the days and nights going. And to me, the author made a “big issue” over this because this is actually where all the conflicts begins to take shape. Here, in Chapter 1, we are getting a sense of what is to come in later chapters. Emma is clearly and plainly BORED OUTTA HER MIND and because she thinks “too highly of herself”, she thinks she was the cause of the marriage between Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston, so being detached and voided of anything to keep them occupied, they – er, I mean, Emma, now has all the time in the world to take on this skill that she thinks she has – matchmaking! And that is where all the upcoming plots begins….
I do not believe that Emma is utlizing her matchmaking skills on the pretense of hoping someone would match her with someone. I think she's bored and have nothing better to do as a result meddle into other peoples' business. Luck was on her side when she superficially played matchmaker with Miss Taylor and Mr Weston and now base on the successful union she believed that she is the world's greatest matchmaker, but really she lacks foresight and only sees what she want to seeI agreed with this too. I don't think she has any "skill" because when Mr. Knightly asked her if she "was endeavoring for the last four years to bring about the marriage", she had no answer....but when he ended with the question of her having made a "lucky guess" she replied quite hastily "And have you never known the pleasure and triumph of a lucky guess?-- I pity you!" :2funny: :2funny:
I wouldn’t call her a “brat”, but yes, due to the fact that she has no mother to admonish or reprimand her when she has done something wrong, she has gotten used to getting things her way. She is described as “clever”, so clearly, she is able to think for herself and is able to clearly articulate herself to get what she wants (and this is confirmed in third paragraph.) Also, in the book, the author pointed out that the governess, Miss Taylor, was “less a governess than a friend”, which lead to them more like “sisters”. In addition, this sentence clearly explains it all: in reference to the governess: “the mildness of her temper had hardly allowed her to impose any restraint”. This is a direct way of saying that the governess was gentle and mild and did not dole out any punishments or set any “rules” to be followed as in a teacher/student relationship normally would. This gave Emma every opportunity to do whatever she pleased, and, although Emma had high regard for her governess’s judgments, she was clearly the “mastermind” of all their activities thus far.
I’m going to say that the author really was quite clear. It’s called foreshadow, and you know what it means so I won't go into it. Emma is wealthy and secured in her lot in life, as you’ve said, so with this security and stability, the author said that she possesses “the power of having rather too much her own way, and a disposition to think a little well of herself” --- THIS is the foreshadowing of the many conflicts to come because Emma is too stubborn (because she always gets what she wants) and too self-assured to the point of snobbery (as someone said) and too vain in her self-assuranced all due to her wealthy station in life.
Ok, you said we can say it however we want and I don’t have a term or a phrase, call it a sparring of wits, but I would have to say that Emma and Mr. Knightly, as described in the book, are very familiar with each other and are at ease with each other, so they can joke about and point out each other flaws to one another without being offended. Their rapport is easily seen and felt to be free of any evil or mean intentions. So, when I read this book for the first time, I already knew that Mr. Knightly was going to be voice of reason throughout the book. And he demonstrated it when he asked Emma if she really was “successful” because she actually planned and strategized to get Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston together or was it merely a “lucky guess”. And I’m sure we can all relate to this notion. Sometimes, when something happens, we like to think that we already saw it coming, when, of course, we never went out of way to do anything to make it happen. Know what I mean? LOL
I think the author made a “big issue” of this because she wanted to set up the upcoming storyline. We were told that Miss Taylor had been with them for quite a long time and she was practically a part of the family. She was the buffer between father and daughter, plus, she was able to keep everyone lightly entertained because she wasn’t really of blood relation. Does that make sense? So she was able to balance life with the father by being the proper governess and adding some sense of authority (even though we were clearly told that she’s too mild-temper to be of any consesquence) and mother-figure to his daughter; yet at the same time, she was able to be a confidant, a friend, a constant companion that could match Emma in wit. And to add to latter point, Emma profoundly misses Miss Taylor because of the fact that her father was not able to articulate and match her wit to wit. She was “clever” so she needed and depended on Miss Taylor’s equally “clever” personality to keep the days and nights going. And to me, the author made a “big issue” over this because this is actually where all the conflicts begins to take shape. Here, in Chapter 1, we are getting a sense of what is to come in later chapters. Emma is clearly and plainly BORED OUTTA HER MIND and because she thinks “too highly of herself”, she thinks she was the cause of the marriage between Miss Taylor and Mr. Weston, so being detached and voided of anything to keep them occupied, they – er, I mean, Emma, now has all the time in the world to take on this skill that she thinks she has – matchmaking! And that is where all the upcoming plots begins….
I agreed with this too. I don't think she has any "skill" because when Mr. Knightly asked her if she "was endeavoring for the last four years to bring about the marriage", she had no answer....but when he ended with the question of her having made a "lucky guess" she replied quite hastily "And have you never known the pleasure and triumph of a lucky guess?-- I pity you!" :2funny: :2funny:
Which brings me to this point made by Reporter about her not having any friends in all her 21 years of life. In those days, children from wealthy families were brought up by governesses, and had little do with outside people, much less their parents, until they are ready to "come out" as in become debutantes (if you're a daughter). So, I'm sure she knew of the other wealthy families and their daughters/sons, but I don't think any of them had any chances of forming a lasting friendship, like the one that Emma and Miss Taylor has.
Anyways, good book, but overall, but it's not one of my favorites at all. Like BoO said, it's basically a bunch of wealthy, idle people with nothing to do but meddle in each other's affair. Emma, to me, isn't a very redeeming or endearing protangonist at all. Sometime, she is more of the antagonist, but I think the author wanted to portrayed as such to confirm what the author had said at the beginning, that Emma had "a disposition to think a little too well of herself".
go-go Welcome!!!!
go-go Welcome!!!!Thanks. :) I wasn't really a big fan of Austen's work, until my sisters (who are huge fans of hers) introduced me to her books. I was always more of a Bronte fan than an Austen fan. So if any of you want to discuss Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, I'm all for it. ;D And Anne Boleyn too. I'm a HUGE fan of her too!!!
So, go-go, why do you think Mr. Knightley was not invited to Ms. Taylor's wedding? Many close friends and relatives had been invited. Mr. Knightley is a close friend of the family, and also the older brother of Isabella's husband. He's Emma's brother-in-law's brother. He's only one mile away from Hartfield. So, why wasn't he invited? I'm just curious. There's no right or wrong answer.Ohh good discussion! Let's talk about this, but I'm going to have to get back to you on this one. It will take a little more time than what I have right now. Plus, when I type too much, my screen doesn't stay still, it toggles back and forth, so I have to actually type it out on MS word and then copy it here.
Hm...ok. good reasonings. Thanks. And, so, what did governesses really do in those times? Austen just says Ms. Taylor has stopped being a governess. But Austen has never said what those chores or duties were. Do you know what they may be?
I don't understand that part about Ms. Taylor being able to entertain the family just because she was not blood relation. Say more please. Jane Austen does not tell us many things. Perhaps we need the historical backgrounds of the period to understand more. But didn't Mr. Woodhouse employ a governess for the two daughters just because Mrs. Woodouse--their mother--had died? Or did he already employ Ms. Taylor while Mrs. Woodhouse was still alive? I may be missing some facts here. But I'm thinking that Ms. Taylor was hired because Mr. Woodhouse needed someone to discipline the two daughters in his wife's place. Somehow he chose not to remarry.
Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights are on my 'must read' list. We can consider those two options for our next book for discussion once Emma is completed.Oh My. You've GOT to read both books. I would suggest Wuthering Heights first because it's more gloomy, so when you're done reading Jane Eyre, your spirit will pick up again. LOL!!! ;D Also, there's a lot of movie versions out for these two books.......yo u gotta see them all too, but first, read the books!!
So, go-go, why do you think Mr. Knightley was not invited to Ms. Taylor's wedding? Many close friends and relatives had been invited. Mr. Knightley is a close friend of the family, and also the older brother of Isabella's husband. He's Emma's brother-in-law's brother. He's only one mile away from Hartfield. So, why wasn't he invited? I'm just curious. There's no right or wrong answer.Ok, I lied. I have time now. LOL! I'm not sure what you're looking for here, but my only guess is that Mr. Knightly feel indifferent about Miss Taylor, so when Miss Taylor got married, he didn't care to attend. The book doesn't go into the reasons why, only to say that he came back from visiting his brother in London. I think it was mentioned that London is a mere 16 miles from Highbury, and this could also play into one of the reason(s) why Mr. Knightly didn't attend the wedding. Based on what I've read in other books, when a wealthy person is in London to visit relatives, the relatives usually plan activities to entertain the visitor(s). They have rounds of balls to attend, many young men and women to meet and to be introduced, plus, the journey to and from is quite long. There were no cars, or buses, or airplanes. They rode on horseback or in carriages, if they were able to afford it. So, I think, with all these in combination - that is, with Mr. Knightly's indifference to the governess and the London trip, he simply didn't care to attend because she was of no importance to him.
Hm...ok. good reasonings. Thanks. And, so, what did governesses really do in those times? Austen just says Ms. Taylor has stopped being a governess. But Austen has never said what those chores or duties were. Do you know what they may be?Ok, I didn't really answer your questions. Sorry. I tend to stray like that! ;D A governess is simply a live-in teacher. They are also to give moral guidance and watch over them when they become of age to start meeting young men. ;D
Thanks. :) I wasn't really a big fan of Austen's work, until my sisters (who are huge fans of hers) introduced me to her books. I was always more of a Bronte fan than an Austen fan. So if any of you want to discuss Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, I'm all for it. ;D And Anne Boleyn too. I'm a HUGE fan of her too!!!
Ok, I lied. I have time now. LOL! I'm not sure what you're looking for here, but my only guess is that Mr. Knightly feel indifferent about Miss Taylor, so when Miss Taylor got married, he didn't care to attend. The book doesn't go into the reasons why, only to say that he came back from visiting his brother in London. I think it was mentioned that London is a mere 16 miles from Highbury, and this could also play into one of the reason(s) why Mr. Knightly didn't attend the wedding. Based on what I've read in other books, when a wealthy person is in London to visit relatives, the relatives usually plan activities to entertain the visitor(s). They have rounds of balls to attend, many young men and women to meet and to be introduced, plus, the journey to and from is quite long. There were no cars, or buses, or airplanes. They rode on horseback or in carriages, if they were able to afford it. So, I think, with all these in combination - that is, with Mr. Knightly's indifference to the governess and the London trip, he simply didn't care to attend because she was of no importance to him.
Ok, I didn't really answer your questions. Sorry. I tend to stray like that! ;D A governess is simply a live-in teacher. They are also to give moral guidance and watch over them when they become of age to start meeting young men. ;D
What Austen meant by the saying that Miss Taylor has stopped being a governess is that the relationship of teacher and student has somehow, over the years been replace by the relationship "sisters" and "friendship". Yes, she was techically still the governess and technically still employed as such, but, because she and Emma have gotten so close and shared so many secrets over the years, Emma simply didn''t see her as a "governess" anymore. She is simply seen as Miss Taylor. And again, it's largely due to the fact Miss Taylor doesn't set any rules or any disciplines and consequences to Emma when Emma breaks those rules. Miss Taylor is so fond of Emma, and they have become so close that the formal title of "governess" was simply overlooked. Miss Taylor was employed to be governess for both girls, but after the older sister got married, Miss Taylor and Emma become good friends. Also, Mr. Woodhouse is described as somehow being too whimsical, not really being the "man of the house" as we would say. So I'm sure Emma was able to gently persuade her father to accept Miss Taylor as more a family, than as a servant, and overlook her true station in life.
Anyway, you’ve read Pride and Prejudice, haven’t you? When Elizabeth met Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and Lady Catherine de Bourgh asked her if they have governess and Elizabeth said no, Lady Catherine de Bourgh was shocked with indignation. It’s practically a scandal in those days to NOT have a governess because by NOT having one implied so many things (like the family is not wealthy enough to afford one, the mother is doing manual labor, the children will be ‘savages’ because they have not been taught any manners, social skills, or any languages, etc etc).
OK. And was it Ms. Taylor's mild temper that made her cease to take the role of governess or was it Emma's more demanding personality that made her cease to be so? What do you think?I think it's both.....now what do you guys think? I've been practically talking to myself all day. *sigh*
Price and Prejudice? Not yet. But we'll get to that, too. Probably another argument between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy much like Mr. Knightley and Emma...
If he was invited and had chosen not to attend, that's one. But if he wasn't ever invited, that's another. We aren't told how the guests were invited. And Austen goes very little into the wedding. She just says "wedding over," the two were left to dinner by themselves and started a conversation about their detachments.Was any of the townspeople invited? Not sure either. IMO, based on other my readings on the English society over the years, he HAD to had been invited because he was a member of the village and one of the more wealthier ones too. The wedding was more than likely sponsored by the Woodhouses, and so, being the proper English that the Woodhouses were, they would have no choice but to include him in the invitation along with the rest of the townsfolk. Are the Woodhouses going to risk losing his friendship and social connections by not inviting him? I hardly think so. That's why I think it was he that decided not to attend because Miss Taylor didn't affect him one way or the other.
Was Mr. Knightley ever invited? I'm not sure.
Was any of the townspeople invited? Not sure either. IMO, based on other my readings on the English society over the years, he HAD to had been invited because he was a member of the village and one of the more wealthier ones too. The wedding was more than likely sponsored by the Woodhouses, and so, being the proper English that the Woodhouses were, they would have no choice but to include him in the invitation along with the rest of the townsfolk. Are the Woodhouses going to risk losing his friendship and social connections by not inviting him? I hardly think so. That's why I think it was he that decided not to attend because Miss Taylor didn't affect him one way or the other.
Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights are on my 'must read' list. We can consider those two options for our next book for discussion once Emma is completed.
I think it's both.....now what do you guys think? I've been practically talking to myself all day. *sigh*
No, Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth don't banter back and forth like Emma and Mr. Knightly...but there are a lot of hot stares from Mr. Darcy to Elizabeth. Especially noticeable when you watch the movie starring the Hot and Handsome Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy! *fanning myself*
I watched a BBC version of Pride and Prejudice. The lady who played Elizabeth was gorgeous beyond belief!Yup, that's the version that has Colin Firth playing Mr. Darcy! He's the perfect Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle is the perfect Elizabeth.
Price and Prejudice? Not yet. But we'll get to that, too. Probably another argument between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy much like Mr. Knightley and Emma...*SHOCKED* :o
Emma's a spoiled little snob who has nothing better to do with her time but meddle in other people's love lives.Yep.
*SHOCKED* :o
Should have been Pride..., huh?No...Shocked that you haven't read it yet.
Emma's a spoiled little snob who has nothing better to do with her time but meddle in other people's love lives.
No...Shocked that you haven't read it yet.
Oh, why are you shocked? I will get to it when our discussion comes around it. What others of Jane Austen have you read? English major way back, huh? Like in college?I'm shocked because it sounded like you're a Jane Austen fan (?), but you haven't any of her other work, especially one of her better ones. I didn't majored in english lit or anything like that. I just like to read A LOT. It's an enjoyable hobby.
I'm shocked because it sounded like you're a Jane Austen fan (?), but you haven't any of her other work, especially one of her better ones. I didn't majored in english lit or anything like that. I just like to read A LOT. It's an enjoyable hobby.
Haven't read much on Hmongs or books by Hmongs. Haven't even read the one by that Yang girl. I've only read the Dust of Life, Tangled Threads and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Pathetic, I know. But I'm moving away from English authors and all that English history stuff to Chinese. Currently, the author I'm reading is Lisa See. I've read Peony In Love, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls. Excellent, excellent books!
So, tell me, what do you find to be some of the cultural things in Emma as indicated on chapter 1? Example, people ride horses, carts, and work as governesses. What other careers are there? What are their manners like towards the high class, the low class? Etc.uhhh...who cares? let's talk about the people...like Emma and Mr. Knightly! how come you're not really "discussing" anything except asking questions? I'm not being graded, am I? :2funny:
uhhh...who cares? let's talk about the people...like Emma and Mr. Knightly! how come you're not really "discussing" anything except asking questions? I'm not being graded, am I? :2funny:
This is a great suggestion.... ... O0O0
What's very interesting is Emma's relationship with Mr. Knightley: Emma is 21. Mr. Knightley is 37 or 38. Emma's sister is married to Mr. Knightley's younger brother. This makes Mr. Knightley Emma's brother-in-law, doesn't it? Isn't that why Emma listens to him when he speaks his mind against hers? Or is there something else that makes Emma so agreeable to him?I don't know. The book doesn't exactly tell us "why" so we can only speculate on the reasons...your guess is as good as mine! Maybe they like exchanging clever wits with each other, maybe that cleverness makes them both see other as "equals", so naturally it's easier and more convenient for them to fall in love with each other. Plus, Mr. Knightley is older and wiser and he was just bidding his time for Emma to come around to realize that he loves her, and that she loves him in return.
I don't know. The book doesn't exactly tell us "why" so we can only speculate on the reasons...your guess is as good as mine! Maybe they like exchanging clever wits with each other, maybe that cleverness makes them both see other as "equals", so naturally it's easier and more convenient for them to fall in love with each other. Plus, Mr. Knightley is older and wiser and he was just bidding his time for Emma to come around to realize that he loves her, and that she loves him in return.
One last thing that I would like to add prior to proceeding with chapter two. Although I am somewhat critical of Emma in terms of how she conduct herself at the same time I admire her lack of social decorum and her sprit especially
To be continue.....
One last thing that I would like to add prior to proceeding with chapter two. Although I am somewhat critical of Emma in terms of how she conduct herself at the same time I admire her lack of social decorum and her sprit. The way Emma behaves is a contrast to the 'ideal' female during her time, which I believe her sister epitomizes. Emma is opininated, insensitive which I find annoying yet refreshing, especially when the story is set in the period where there were limited opportunities for women to advance and the level of status dictate a female's quality of life.
Reporter When time permit I will provide a more in-depth analysis of chapter two. Thus far these are my observations:
1) Mr Woohouse I believe is a hypochodraic which explains his disposition and strange habits, which is consulting with his personal doctor Mr Perry.
2) It is suggested that marrying above one's social class will only lead to trouble. Mr Weston first marriage to Miss Churchill, although benefitted Mr Weston financially as Miss Churchill is from a wealthy and well-connected family.
To be continue...
Haven't read much on Hmongs or books by Hmongs. Haven't even read the one by that Yang girl. I've only read the Dust of Life, Tangled Threads and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. Pathetic, I know. But I'm moving away from English authors and all that English history stuff to Chinese. Currently, the author I'm reading is Lisa See. I've read Peony In Love, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and Shanghai Girls. Excellent, excellent books!