It’s Jane Austen’s birthday!
Were Jane alive today, she would be turning a very venerable 246 years old and would deserve the greatest party of all time. (Meaning, of course, a grand ball and no appearance from any real-life iterations of Mr. Collins.) At this hypothetical dance of the ages, I think she’d also deserve a toast to her literary longevity. Few authors in history have left such a profound legacy. It’s truly extraordinary that her novels are studied in the highest of academic settings but also immortalized in every niche of pop culture.
There are so many ways to celebrate this author. Whether you’re a seasoned professor of English Literature who has penned erudite studies such as “Jane Austen and John Keats: Negative Capability, Romance and Reality,” or you’re more down-to-earth like me and have just read all her novels, or you’re merely familiar with her through memes poking fun at a socially-awkward Mr. Darcy, the truth of the matter is that you don’t have to look hard.
No one commented better on society than she did, so anything I could say in one measly article is only the tip of the iceberg. I can’t do justice to someone whose pen was so mighty that she could have turned even my decidedly unromantic life into a snarky social commentary. Neither will I pretend to be a Janeite scholar. I am simply an admirer who wishes her a very happy heavenly birthday. As my gift to her, I shall present a purely subjective compilation of the best ways to enjoy her tremendous talent.
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3 FAVORITE JANE AUSTEN NOVELS
Pride and Prejudice by Jane — Oh.
First disclaimer: these are in no particular order. Second disclaimer: I’m still not pretending I have a Ph.D., hence my use of the word “favorite” instead of “best.” Third disclaimer: yes, this book is the obvious choice, but it’s also warranted. As a work of literature it’s practically perfect in every way, featuring an impeccable plot, noteworthy characters and significant thematic undertones. As a fun read, it’s a truth universally acknowledged.
The first Austen novel I read seriously (I’ll never forgive my mother for letting me read the Great Illustrated Classics edition of Pride and Prejudice before the real deal), this book is striking for a plethora of reasons. I’d argue that it has the sharpest humor serving as the perfect vehicle for snarky-yet-brilliant social commentary. The title character’s charisma carries her through life until she eventually learns some much-needed lessons. Emma feels utterly contemporary even though it is actually hundreds of years old.
Though obscure, Persuasion quietly and discreetly relays, in my opinion, the most emotional resonance. The author’s final work is mature, poignant and has a slower pace that allows plenty of room for analysis. Anne Elliott’s age (27 is really getting up there in the regency era), regret and inner turmoil when the man she rejected returns to her life seven years later all add intensity and sincerity … and that’s just one side of the story.
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3 JANE AUSTEN BOOK QUOTES TO COMMIT TO MEMORY
“She hoped to be wise and reasonable in time; but alas! Alas! She must confess to herself that she was not wise yet.” — Anne Elliot, Persuasion
I’d like to immediately support my case for Persuasion by sharing this lovely line. Jane’s maturity shows and Anne’s maturity shows. The quote is self-aware in its admittance of imperfection but ironically disqualifies its own claim since it’s so wise. I could write in circles about how much I love it, but you get the idea.
“I wish, like everyone else, to be happy, but, like everyone else, it must be in my own way.” — Elinor Dashwood, Sense And Sensibility
Oh, Elinor, the “sense” to her sister’s “sensibility.” She’s got a good head on her shoulders, sometimes way too good for her own good, but she reveals a shred of heartfelt emotional awareness with this phrase. There’s no objective, rational, one-size-fits-all stamp of happiness. Some things are inexplicably individual.
“I cannot make speeches, Emma. If I loved you less I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me.” — Mr. Knightley, Emma
Mr. Knightley is exactly the foil, and soulmate, that the self-deceptive and winsomely-conniving Emma requires. She needs to hear the facts, dang it, no matter how much she manipulates them to matchmake others, and her close friend knows that excess chit-chat and ego-stroking self-endorsement won’t get him anywhere. Love doesn’t lie.
Honorable Mention: “Her own thoughts and reflections were habitually her best companions.” — Fanny Price, Mansfield Park
I feel ya, Fanny. We’ll leave that there.
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3 WORTHY JANE AUSTEN FILM/TV ADAPTATIONS
Pride and Prejudice, directed by Simon Langton (1995)
Colin Firth is the best Mr. Darcy. Jennifer Ehle is the best Elizabeth Bennet. BBC is the best for period-piece adaptations, especially in miniseries form. This is the best Pride and Prejudice out there. Any questions, comments or concerns? No? Good.
Pride and Prejudice, directed by Joe Wright (2005)
Before you raise your hand with that question, comment or concern, let me explain that I am absolutely not contradicting myself. This isn’t the best adaptation of the novel — it leaves out too much, for example — but it’s a gorgeous film in its own right. The cinematography, soundtrack and earnest performances by all actors (whether they were well-cast or not is a different argument) contribute to its appeal. If you want to watch a beautiful movie, need a Jane Austen evening and don’t have six hours to spare, it does the job.
Sense and Sensibility, directed by Ang Lee (1995)
This recommendation comes with two qualifiers: eschewing BBC miniseries and eschewing Pride and Prejudice. Now, here are four reasons why this wins: Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman and Hugh Grant. And yes, they are perfectly cast. Imagine Emma Thompson saying the line I mentioned earlier. Now, imagine a whole movie of these actors saying more lines like that! You really just can’t go wrong.
Honorable Mention: Clueless
… “Cause I’m keeping it real. Cause I’m keeping it real. Cause I — cause I’m keeping it real.”
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3 MEMORABLE JANE AUSTEN CHARACTERS
Colonel Fitzwilliam Darcy, Pride and Prejudice
Need I really elaborate? Marvelously complex, Mr. Darcy’s heart of gold is well-guarded with something akin to barbed wire. Though he has been oversimplified into a rom-com hero trope, anyone who reads the novel knows that Austen outdid herself crafting one of the singular and indomitable characters in literary history.
Emma, Emma
I mentioned that this was the first full Austen novel I read. I think the protagonist played her role in making me a lifelong Austen aficionado. The author famously acknowledged that “I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like,” and in doing so she created someone flawed, feisty and fascinating. Emma exemplifies many vices such as manipulation, selfishness and deceit but also virtues including loyalty, courage and generosity.
Catherine Morland, Northanger Abbey
We can’t forget the delight that is Northanger Abbey, the slightly over-the-top and slightly exceptional novel about a young woman with an impressively expansive imagination. Catherine loves gothic horror, invites adventure with open arms and speaks with a refreshing artlessness. She colors her life with vivid rainbow strokes, so it’s a true joy to share her perspective in this little book.
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3 GIFTS FOR THE JANE AUSTEN FAN IN YOUR LIFE
Because Austen’s birthday falls in the most wonderful time of the year, perhaps, after reading this article, you can’t help but think fondly of your Austen-loving friend, sibling or coworker.
I think it’s safe to say that there’s a strong correlation between Jane Austen readers and tea drinkers. A savvy small-business owner took the idea and ran with it, creating a Jane Austen Tea Series with delightful concoctions like “Compassion For Mrs. Bennet’s Nerves” and “Mansfield Morning.” It’s created “by a Janeite for Janeites.”
Jane Austen: The Complete Works 7-Book Boxed Set
Self-explanatory! This set is aesthetically pleasing, efficient and an absolute keepsake that would appeal to both Elinor’s sense and Marianne’s sensibility.
The Life and Works of Jane Austen Course
I highly recommend The Great Courses if you like to learn just about anything. This particular class will turn any casual reader into a veritable pro. And giving the gift of learning is always, always a fine idea. I should gift it to myself for Christmas, shouldn’t I?
Well, that just about wraps this up. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays, my dear Jane Austen!
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
First disclaimer: these are in no particular order. Second disclaimer: I’m still not pretending I have a Ph.D., hence my use of the word “favorite” instead of “best.” Third disclaimer: yes, this book is the obvious choice, but it’s also warranted. As a work of literature it’s practically perfect in every way, featuring an impeccable plot, noteworthy characters and significant thematic undertones. As a fun read, it’s a truth universally acknowledged.
Emma by Jane Austen
The first Austen novel I read seriously (I’ll never forgive my mother for letting me read the Great Illustrated Classics edition of Pride and Prejudice before the real deal), this book is striking for a plethora of reasons. I’d argue that it has the sharpest humor serving as the perfect vehicle for snarky-yet-brilliant social commentary. The title character’s charisma carries her through life until she eventually learns some much-needed lessons. Emma feels utterly contemporary even though it is actually hundreds of years old.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Though obscure, Persuasion quietly and discreetly relays, in my opinion, the most emotional resonance. The author’s final work is mature, poignant and has a slower pace that allows plenty of room for analysis. Anne Elliott’s age (27 is really getting up there in the regency era), regret and inner turmoil when the man she rejected returns to her life seven years later all add intensity and sincerity … and that’s just one side of the story.
