Jane Austen is one of the most amazing writers in the English language. She seemed to spring fully formed like Athena, ready to write. Where did she get her skills? It is still a mystery. All the novels are excellent; all are worth reading. This is another unique aspect of her work. Most novelists write some terrible novels, learn their craft, get better, and then in their prime give us their greatest work. But not Austen. So we could read any one of her novels and be rewarded. But we have chosen Pride and Prejudice for our class. I think it is perfect. Really perfect. The characters, the settings, the rooms, the teas, the conversations: everything rings true and perfectly formed. And if you want a romantic story how could anything be better than Elizabeth, all pride and nerves, and Darcy, all pride and arrogance. We will view some of the 2005 film version (there are many) with the spectacular cast including Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, Tom Hollander, Rosamund Pike, and Judi Dench.
REQUIRED READING
RECOMMENDED READING
Life in Victorian England,
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 31, 2016),
ISBN 1541383559